About

Choose Ohio First 

The Choose Ohio First (COF) scholarship is a state-funded award by the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) designed to significantly strengthen Ohio’s competitiveness within Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine (STEMM) disciplines. ODHE provides funding to The Ohio State University to support students in innovative academic programs and encourage Ohio’s economic strength by ensuring a ready workforce for STEM-related industries. In addition to receive the scholarship, COF is committed to support the next generation of Ohio STEMM scholars and industry leaders. 

Ohio House of Science and Engineering (OHSE)

The Ohio State University Ohio House of Science and Engineering (OHSE) is the home to the Choose Ohio First scholarship program. Founded in 2005, OHSE aims to improve science technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM) education throughout central Ohio in grades K-16. OHSE has numerous well-established STEMM outreach and public science literacy programs that have been supporting scholars with community building and engagement, academic support, and professional development throughout their undergraduate and graduate academic careers. OHSE offers COF scholarships to successful STEMM students at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Lima, Mansfield, Marion, and Newark campuses. 

Mission and Vision

OHSE focuses on building and leveraging an inclusive and equitable location for all COF scholars. In addition, OHSE is deeply invested and dedicated to: 

• Promoting equity, inclusion, access, and empowerment to create a space for all students in STEMM fields.

• Connecting and bringing together undergraduate students, faculty, staff, and professionals in STEMM from all backgrounds to build a community and promote a safe environment.

• Establishing collaborations between scientists with K-12 school districts.

• Engaging active scientists, mathematicians, engineers, and teachers in the community to participate in K-16 science outreach efforts.

• Providing opportunities for talented undergraduate STEMM majors.

• Facilitating and sharing resources and ideas among existing STEMM outreach groups to amplify the outcomes of their efforts.

• Supporting students' physical and mental health.

• Fostering a sense of belonging to nurture a community of kindness.