The Choose Ohio First program awarded the University of Dayton nearly $660,000 to recruit and graduate students in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.
The Ohio Department of Higher Education’s scholarship program aims to strengthen the state’s economy by building a pipeline of STEM graduates to meet Ohio’s workforce needs.
“These scholarships help us attract and support talented students who might otherwise not be able to pursue STEM degrees,” said Darlene Weaver, University of Dayton provost. “For example, they make it possible for students to gain hands-on experience through co-ops and internships, which are critical for preparing them to solve real-world problems in fields like renewable energy, healthcare technology and data analytics.”
The scholarships are available to students in biochemistry, biology, physics, environmental science, pre-medicine, engineering and other STEM fields.
“Choose Ohio First helped alleviate some of the cost of attending college while emphasizing experiential learning,” said Kaitlin Niebauer, an electrical engineering major. “It encouraged me to pursue co-op opportunities, which will deepen my understanding of engineering concepts and show me how I can apply my degree after graduation.”
More information on the state’s Choose Ohio First program is available online.

source