Cleveland State University Awarded Nearly $800,000 for Choose Ohio First Scholarship

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Cleveland State University (CSU) has been awarded a grant from the State of Ohio through the Choose Ohio First (COF) scholarship program to support undergraduate students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.   

The Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) Chancellor Mike Duffey announced that CSU will receive $776,400 as part of a $26 million statewide funding initiative supporting 59 Ohio institutions. 

“CSU is proud to be part of a city that is committed to research, innovation and education in STEM fields. With the support we have received from the state of Ohio, our students can focus on their collaboration with our world-class research faculty,” said CSU President Dr. Laura Bloomberg. “Our students have fewer financial barriers thanks to the Choose Ohio First scholarships, so they can fully engage in unique learning experiences with experts in STEM from across Northeast Ohio.” 

At CSU, Choose Ohio First scholars pursue degrees in biology, chemistry, engineering, health science, math, physics, technology and related fields. Scholarships are based on financial need and range from $2,000 to $5,000 per academic year.  

Students in the program also receive academic and professional support throughout their degree programs. Each cohort is led by a faculty advisor who serves as a mentor, and students also have access to advising, tutoring, peer mentoring and community service experiences.  

In addition, COF scholars are expected to participate in work-based learning experiences, such as an internship, co-op or research opportunity, to help prepare them for careers in Ohio’s STEM workforce. 

COF launched at CSU in 2008 with 42 inaugural scholarship recipients during the 2008-09 academic year. Today, more than 300 students participate in the program, and CSU anticipates supporting more than 400 students in the 2026-27 academic year. The University has awarded more than $10.5 million in COF scholarship support since 2019.  

The Choose Ohio First grant is part of the state’s broader strategy to increase enrollment and degree completion in STEM fields while strengthening Ohio’s pipeline of talent in high-demand industries.  

Learn more about the program at csuohio.edu/choose-ohio.