CHOOSE OHIO FIRST

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. Historical scholarship amounts have been $1,100 per fall/spring term for part-time learners, and $2,200 per fall/spring term for 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 Degrees:

• 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
• 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

Groups that will be given priority consideration:

• Women
• BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color)
• Youth aging out of foster care
• Long-term unemployed

 

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