Stark State College Choose Ohio First scholarship program reopens for 2025-26 with $556,600 state award

NORTH CANTON, Ohio, March 11, 2025 – On March 3, Stark State College opened applications for the College’s 2025-26 Choose Ohio First scholarship program. The state recently awarded Stark State $556,600 to fund the scholarship, the second-highest award the College has received in its six years of participation.

The scholarship is designed to significantly strengthen Ohio’s competitiveness within STEMM disciplines and STEMM education.

“I’m excited that our students will continue to benefit from the Ohio Department of Higher Education’s Choose Ohio First scholarship,” said Richard Green, vice president of enrollment management at Stark State. “In 2024, students averaged $4,800 annually, and the scholarship is stackable with other awards, keeping college affordable and aligned with workforce needs. This investment supports our mission to help students and communities thrive, opening doors to rewarding careers in Ohio’s growing STEMM fields, and empowering both new and program-switching students to build brighter futures.”

Scholarship awards are provided to qualifying students in over 70 approved programs such as mechanical engineering technology, concept-based nursing, HVACR technology, cyber security and computer forensics technology, industrial maintenance and emergency medical services. The total amount awarded annually is limited according to Choose Ohio First guidelines.

To view qualification criteria and to apply, visit www.starkstate.edu/admissions/scholarships/chooseohiofirstscholarship/.