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.

Scholar Testimonials

The COF scholarship has broadened my horizons and hopes for a better future beyond anything I could have imagined. This scholarship has encouraged me to use my skills and education towards being a positive member of the community, such as by participating in the Wonders of Our World (WOW) program. WOW is a program that has brought me immense joy by helping children learn science. The COF scholarship also encouraged me to find work-based learning. I was honored to find work as a research assistant in ophthalmology medicine at the Wexner Medical Center. This work-based experience allowed me to contribute towards meaningful research that aims to cure blindness. Thus, I learned a great deal about the eye, medicine, and laboratory equipment. In summary, this scholarship has afforded me the experience of making a positive impact within the community. Thank you to the COF scholarship for changing my life and giving the gift of higher education. 

- IBEO Transfer scholar

This program has truly changed my life. This scholarship provided me with an advisor who worked with me, made a plan, and made it still feel possible for me to accomplish my dream of becoming a software engineer. Now I am in the major, I have made the dean's list multiple semesters in a row, and I have my first software engineering internship lined up for this summer. All of this wouldn't have been possible without this program and the people who believed in me.

- AIOSW Engineering scholar

The COF scholarship has greatly benefited my academics here at Ohio State. The program holds multiple events each semester for student to get together and learn about each other and form connections within the program. This also gives us opportunities to talk about different study habits and ways to stay involved on campus and form a community. Finding community is one thing that I was worried about coming from a small town where everyone is so close, but this program has resolved that. When I feel like I am struggling with academics or personal connection I can always reach out and find help. I loved using the provided tutors whenever I was struggling with chemistry and I feel as if I passed the class because of their help. If I am ever feeling lonely or need advice I look forward to our weekly meetings with my mentor. She has also helped me through some challenges this year. I owe all of my success this year to the COF scholarship program and I don’t think I would survive without it! 

- INSW Science scholar

The COF scholarship encouraged me to become involved in on campus events, which resulted in me meeting new people and getting to have new experiences. The scholarship also encouraged me to find an internship, and I found a company that cares for its employees and appreciates the skills that I have. I have also been given the opportunity to work on several research projects due to this scholarship encouraging me to talk to my professors. In summary, this scholarship has been a massive help for me over the last four years. 

- INSW BSET scholar

Beyond the financial support, the COF program has provided me with access to a robust network of mentors and tutors who have guided me through challenging coursework and provided invaluable insights into my field. As a freshman, finding and deciding what classes would be best to take for my major was a significant challenge. My COF mentor was such a great help in this area, recommending which professors teaching style might be most suitable, and the order in which classes should be taken. I am incredibly grateful for our program leadership and the opportunities this scholarship has afforded me.

- EFC scholar

The COF Scholarship has greatly impacted my time here at OSU. Going to a big school like Ohio State seemed pretty nerve-racking at first, but even before I stepped on campus the COF staff helped me get acquainted with the resources available to me, which really helped put my nerves at ease. The COF scholarship program requires its recipients to complete a minimum of 45 hours of educational based service hours, such as going to a professors office hours or attending mentoring and tutoring sessions. At first, I was worried about fulfilling the requirement, but after my first semester I realized that it was simply two to three hours a week of commitment. Completing the service hours greatly benefits my education and learning as it encourages my to get extra help from professors and make connections with people which I may not have done if it wasn't for the COF program.

- FMSMO Engineering scholar

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