Ohio State is in the process of revising websites and program materials to accurately reflect compliance with the law. While this work occurs, language referencing protected class status or other activities prohibited by Ohio Senate Bill 1 may still appear in some places. However, all programs and activities are being administered in compliance with federal and state law.

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 

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 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 academic careers. OHSE offers COF scholarships to successful STEMM students at Ohio State in Columbus, Lima, Mansfield, Marion, and Newark campuses. 

Mission and Vision

OHSE focuses on building and leveraging a supportive environment for all COF scholars. In addition, OHSE is deeply invested and dedicated to:

  • Creating opportunities for all students to engage in STEMM fields.
  • Connecting and bringing together undergraduate students, faculty, staff, and professionals in STEMM to build a strong academic and professional community.
  • 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 enhance the outcomes of their efforts.
  • Supporting students' physical and mental health.
  • Fostering a sense of belonging to nurture a community of kindness.

STEM Choose Ohio First Program Manager

Eduan Martínez-Soto, M.S.
Academic Program Services Specialist 3
Ohio House of Science and Engineering
ohse@osu.edu