Jenelle Bayus
The Ohio Department of Higher Education recently awarded Hiram College a five-year, $1 million Choose Ohio First grant to fund scholarships for students enrolled in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine) coursework beginning with the 2021 school year.
The Choose Ohio First scholarship program began in 2008 with the goal of increasing the number of Ohio students enrolling in and completing STEMM programs at public and independent higher education institutions in Ohio. The latest funds are part of a focused strategy to strengthen Ohio’s talent pipeline in STEMM occupations and related industries. The Ohio Department of Higher Education is also promoting the use of funds to help students obtain credentials and certificates in STEMM areas, with a special emphasis on computer science and related technology fields.
“We are grateful to the Ohio Department of Higher Education for recognizing the importance of supporting Hiram’s STEMM students,” said David Haney, Ph.D., president of Hiram College. “These funds will provide financial assistance and other forms of support that will allow our outstanding faculty members to provide a distinctive educational experience with lifelong benefits to our students.”
Hiram College has benefited from the Choose Ohio First program since its inception. Over the years, scholarships have been awarded to approximately 100 students majoring in areas such as biomedical humanities, biology, environmental studies, chemistry, math, nursing, and other related fields. As a required element of the program, students are provided with internships, research, and other experiential learning opportunities that help them develop the skills needed to succeed in promising career fields.
“Hiram’s Choose Ohio First scholarship recipients are not only given financial assistance but are also provided with opportunities to learn valuable career preparation skills,” said Brad Goodner, Ph.D., director of the School of Health and Medical Humanities. “Our unique interdisciplinary approach has led to strong results for our graduates, many of whom pursued advanced degrees and are now professionals making a difference right here in Ohio.”
Hiram College is one of only 57 Ohio colleges and universities to earn a Choose Ohio First grant this year, according to the Ohio Department of Higher Education. Learn more about the Choose Ohio First grant program at www.ohiohighered.org/cof.
