The University of Dayton was awarded more than $1.3 million for Choose Ohio First scholarships to recruit and graduate students studying the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.

The University participates in the Ohio Department of Higher Education scholarship program to strengthen the state economy by building a strong pipeline of STEM graduates for Ohio’s workforce needs.

“We are passionate about STEM education and contributing to Dayton’s legacy of innovation, with talented graduates such as Jonathan Dekar, who invented a device that allows people with limited mobility to feed themselves, and Eileen Dolan, whose research is making chemotherapy less toxic and more effective,” said Paul Benson, provost and executive vice president of academic affairs. “The Choose Ohio First Scholarships often make the difference for students to be able to enroll and graduate from college, and then change lives through their work.”

Choose Ohio First Scholarships are available to students studying biochemistry, biology, physics, environmental science, pre-medicine, engineering, and other fields.  

“Studying a STEM field has better prepared me for the workforce and for life after college in general,” said Angela Wise, who has a Choose Ohio First scholarship to study computer science with a minor in mathematics. “I have learned about how to think with different perspectives, how to change a plan when things don't go as expected, how to work with and cooperate with others, how to think critically, etc. Not only have these skills made me more confident about my capabilities in my career path, but they have also translated to my life outside of academics and career goals.”

For more information on the state's Choose Ohio First program, visit https://www.ohiohighered.org/cof.