Choose Ohio First
Contact:
Audrey Lehman
Project Manager, COF Program
Grants Development
alehman@NorthwestState.edu
419.267.1355
The application for the 2025-2026 academic year is now open.
What is Choose Ohio First (COF)?
The COF Scholarship Program is a state-funded scholarship offered to increase the number of Ohioans studying and working in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. The COF Scholarship covers tuition and is available to both part-time and full-time learners. Scholarship award amounts are subject to change based upon an individual learner’s fees. The scholarship is renewable, based upon continued state funding and awardees’ adherence to the scholarship requirements.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
Must be an Ohio resident
Must be new (1st semester) in one of the following programs/majors:
Associate Degree:
- Agronomy
- Computer Programming
- Cybersecurity & Network Administration
- Electrical Engineering Technology
- Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology
- Industrial Technology (Industrial Technologies)
- Industrial Technology (Maintenance Technician/Mechatronics)
- Mechanical Engineering Technology
- Mechanical Engineering Technology (CAD/CAM)
Certificates:
- Computer Technician
- Ag Technician
- Cybersecurity
- HVAC-R (Climate Control)
- Industrial Electrical
- Industrial Maintenance
- Machining
- Millwright
- Plastics Manufacturing
- Programmable Controller (PLC)
Short-Term Certificates:
- CNC Operations
- Industrial Automation Maintenance
- Industrial Welding
- IT Specialist
Overview of Program Requirements
- Remain an Ohio resident
- Maintain enrollment in an approved program of study/major continuously (at least 6 credit hours) between fall and spring semesters
- Maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher
Participate in a work-based learning (WBL) experience (this would include any of the
following):
- Co-op
- Internship
- Research or other employer-based experience
Brought to You By: Northwest State Community College & Choose Ohio First
This scholarship is made possible by the Choose Ohio First Grant from the Ohio Department of Higher Education.