College of Wooster receives STEM scholarship grant

Awarded by the Ohio Department of Higher Education, The College of Wooster will receive a grant of $1.35 million to support STEM students from 2027-31 through the Choose Ohio First Scholarship program.

Designed to strengthen the state’s workforce in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, the four-year scholarships for Ohio residents range from $2,000-$8,000 and require recipients to participate in a work-based learning opportunity such as a STEM internship, co-op or research to help them transition effectively to the STEM workforce after graduation.

“The generous financial support from the State of Ohio for these students supports enrollment in Wooster’s exceptional STEM majors and makes their degree more affordable,” COW President Anne McCall said. “Wooster faculty and staff guide students through real-world learning and mentored-research opportunities in our community and beyond, positioning the college to prepare students for successful careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and health-related fields.”

Wooster is one of 59 institutions to receive funding from this year’s grants, according to the May 18 announcement from Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel and Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor Mike Duffey.

“Ohio’s future depends on preparing more students for the careers that are shaping our economy, and that starts with giving them the chance to pursue high-demand STEM fields,” DeWine said. “Choose Ohio First inspires more students to reach their full potential. It helps students discover their passion for opportunities in STEM and graduate ready to start a great career right here in Ohio.”

At Wooster, STEM students engage in an interdisciplinary liberal arts curriculum, adding to their understanding of their field through insights into the arts, humanities, history and social sciences. Every student participates in Wooster’s signature capstone research program. More than 78% complete experiential learning opportunities such as internships, consulting or research projects above and beyond their I.S.

Some of the community partners and companies across Ohio where students frequently engage in work-based learning opportunities supported Wooster’s application for the Choose Ohio First Scholarship, including Schneider Electric, Community Action of Wayne and Medina Counties, Wooster Brush Company, Camp Nuhop, and Wooster City School District.

Through connections with area employers, Wooster students build their networks and graduate prepared to excel in both advanced study and the modern workforce, where adaptability, communication and cross-disciplinary thinking are increasingly essential.

Available to incoming students in 2027-28, Wooster majors supported by the program include biochemistry and molecular biology, biology, chemical physics, chemistry, communication sciences and disorders, computer science, statistical and data sciences, earth sciences, environmental studies, mathematics, neuroscience, physics, and education degrees and certificates with a STEM focus.