$800,000 grant will support scholarships in computer science disciplines

Cleveland State University, along with numerous other universities across the state, will receive new scholarship support to boost efforts to strengthen the state’s workforce in technology-related fields such as coding and cybersecurity.

The scholarship program, part of the Choose Ohio First initiative, was announced by Lt. Governor Jon Husted and Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor Randy Gardner Dec. 12. It will support CSU students in computer science and mathematics, including those in degree and certificate programs, over the next five years.

“The Choose Ohio First program is one of our state’s best tools to increase the number of students preparing to work in STEMM-related fields,” says Lt. Governor Husted. “In today’s technology-infused economy, every industry and business has important tech-focused jobs and training Ohioans for careers in those positions is key to growing our economy.”

“CSU has been honored to participate in this incredibly important program, which ensures all students have access to a high-quality technology education,” adds Harlan M. Sands, president of Cleveland State. “This additional support will further our efforts to provide the high-tech workers Northeast Ohio needs to remain economically competitive.”

CSU is slated to receive $800,000 to recruit Ohio residents into computer science and computer engineering undergraduate degrees, as well as computer science licensure or endorsement programs. Experiential learning through internships, co-ops and field experiences is also an integral component of this effort. The award complements CSU’s current Choose Ohio First programs that support many other science, technology, engineering, math and medicine (STEMM) majors, along with the National Science Foundation-funded Computer Science for Cleveland program.

Choose Ohio First began in 2008 as a way to increase the number of Ohio students enrolling in and successfully completing STEMM programs at Ohio’s public and independent colleges and universities. The latest announcement will provide over $20 million in additional funding to support scholars attending 35 institutions across the state.

“The ongoing investment in the Choose Ohio First program demonstrates the commitment of Governor DeWine, Lt. Governor Husted and the General Assembly to build a talent pipeline in Ohio to the leading technology occupations,” notes Chancellor Gardner. “This new focused scholarship will further strengthen the Choose Ohio First program and put more students on a path to success.”

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