The Choose Ohio First Scholarship supports academically talented students pursuing science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM) degrees or certificates at Ohio higher ed institutions, including Stark State College. It’s funded by the Ohio Department of Higher Education and designed to strengthen Ohio’s competitiveness in STEMM fields.

• Financial assistance toward tuition (including instructional and general fees) and book fees.
• Access to advising and career development resources.
• Real-world, hands-on learning opportunities through required work-based learning experiences like internships, research projects, co-ops and job shadowing.

Award amounts can vary annually based on Choose Ohio First program guidelines. The scholarship covers tuition (instructional and general fees) and books from the Stark State College Store. Each academic year, students earning degrees must spend a minimum of $1,500 and students earning certificates must spend at least $500.

For 2025-26, more than 70 Stark State programs are covered by the Choose Ohio First Scholarship, including:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Civil engineering – architectural and construction management
• CNC technical one-year certificate
• Computer graphic arts
• Computer science and engineering
• Concept-based nursing (RN)
• Cyber security and computer forensics technology
• Dental assisting
• Dietary technician
• Emergency medical services
• HVACR technology
• Massage therapy
• Medical assisting certificate
• Occupational therapy assistant
• Physical therapist assistant
• Physics
• Practical nursing (LPN)
• Surgical technology
• Welding technology

Click to view the full list of eligible majors.

To receive the scholarship, you must:

• Be newly enrolled in an eligible STEMM degree or certificate program.
• Be an Ohio resident and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• Have a high school or transfer GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Meet college-ready test score requirements:

Males age 18 or over must have registered with the selective service, if required.

To maintain the scholarship, you must:

• Make consistent academic progress toward your degree or certificate.
• Participate in an internship, co-op or other work-based learning experience.
• Keep a cumulative Stark State College GPA of 3.0 or higher.

You must complete and return the Scholarship Acceptance Form, which will be attached to your award email.

Work-based learning is a key component of the Choose Ohio First Scholarship. It includes internships, research positions, job shadowing, clinicals or co-ops that align with your major. In some cases, class coursework could fulfill these requirements, like a mandatory clinical class for health majors. These experiences enhance your real-world skills and prepare you for Ohio’s STEMM workforce.

• If you’re approved for the Choose Ohio Scholarship and have questions about the work-based learning requirement, reach out to the Stark State Career Services office for help finding an experience that suits your major and availability.
  • Go to starkstate.edu/careerservices for more information: 330-494-6170 ext. 4525,  careerservices@starkstate.edu, office M104 (main campus).

No. The Choose Ohio First Scholarship is awarded only to students enrolled in eligible STEMM majors.

No. Only students who are newly enrolled in their approved majors are eligible to receive the Choose Ohio First Scholarship.

The Choose Ohio First Scholarship is awarded based on your major at the time you’re selected. Changing your major to a non-STEMM field will result in the loss of your scholarship. Always consult your advisor before making academic changes. Contact financial aid to inquire whether or not the new major you’re considering will be eligible for the scholarship.

Yes, the scholarship is renewable for the duration of your program, provided you continue to make progress toward graduation and meet all academic, enrollment and participation requirements.