OWU has been awarded its third–and largest–Choose Ohio First grant, receiving $1,199,800 to support Ohio students pursuing degrees in STEM fields. OWU’s five-year grant supports scholarships, academic support, and work-based learning and research experiences for incoming STEM students.\u00a0\u00a0Ohio Wesleyan President Matthew vandenBerg, Ed.D., said the university is excited to receive its third Choose Ohio First grant and first COF grant exceeding $1 million. \u201cOhio Wesleyan has retained 95% of our Choose Ohio First scholars with 100% of the returning students declaring a STEM major,\u201d vandenBerg said of OWU\u2019s 2022 and 2023 COF grant outcomes. \u201cOhio Wesleyan is making a significant impact in helping the state to meet its workforce goals, and we are proud to be recognized with our largest COF grant to date to continue this important work.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe fundamental strengths of Ohio Wesleyan liberal arts graduates \u2013 critical analysis, deep and coherent reading, and communication across differences \u2013 enable employers to solve big problems in fast-growing STEM occupations,\u201d vandenBerg said. \u201cOur STEM graduates are prepared to be the next-generation workforce, keeping pace with a changing economy and driving economic development in their communities.\u201d<\/p>\n
In addition to four-year renewable scholarships, Ohio Wesleyan\u2019s COF scholars also receive comprehensive career and support services as well as guaranteed internship and research opportunities supported by the\u00a0OWU Connection<\/a>, the university\u2019s signature student experience. The 2024 COF grant applies to studies in 13 Ohio Wesleyan academic departments and\u00a023 majors<\/a>, and also aids Ohio Wesleyan in its ongoing effort to recruit and support underrepresented STEM student groups, including women, students of color, and first-generation students.<\/p>\n