Tiffin University receives state grant in support of ‘Choose Ohio First’ scholars program

Tiffin, Ohio — Tiffin University has been awarded over $870,000 from the state in support of a program that aims to recruit, nurture and graduate more students in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

The Choose Ohio First (COF) grant will help enroll undergraduate students majoring in computer science, science and math education, chemistry, health care administration/management, athletic training, substance abuse/addiction counseling, registered nursing and logistics/supply-chain management. As of fall 2020, Tiffin University had 281 students enrolled in the proposed subject fields.

The COF scholarship program will also create a pipeline of talented students to strengthen Ohio’s competitiveness in the STEM disciplines, ensuring a well-qualified workforce in those industries. The grant aims to improve, innovate and grow Ohio’s economy.

“This program will cultivate a workforce that aligns workers’ skills with the jobs of the future,” said Dr. Peter Holbrook, TU’s Provost and Chief Academic Officer. “The COF grant will significantly benefit Ohio businesses through the training and graduating of a talented, STEM-based, job-ready pool of workers.”

Choose Ohio First scholars will be selected based on their degree, major and other qualifying factors. Students will not need to use an application to apply for the COF grant, but rather they will be automatically awarded should they meet the COF scholarship criteria. Through this approach, high-achieving and high-need students will receive a higher amount of scholarship, ensuring academically talented, socially disadvantaged students, such as those from lower-income households, will receive an amount that meets their need and encourages them to pursue careers in STEM.

In fall 2020, 46 percent of TU students were considered low income, as defined by Pell eligibility, 27 percent are first-generation college students and 97 percent receive some kind of aid.

Tiffin University President Dr. Lillian Schumacher said, “We are thrilled to have been selected as a first-time recipient of this grant. By providing COF scholarships to undergraduate STEM majors, TU will be able to remove financial barriers, reduce student debt and increase student success.”

The University has made the recruitment of underrepresented individuals a priority, as demonstrated by TU’s Strategic Plan. As a result of the COF scholarship program, TU anticipates increasing recruitment and graduating of talented STEM scholars who are prepared to work in Ohio’s 21st century workforce.