About Us
The Choose Ohio First Scholarship Program at Kent State provides support to Ohio residents who wish to pursue degrees in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or medicine (STEMM).
The State of Ohio, recognizing that a workforce trained in these areas is essential for strengthening our economy, has created this program to provide tuition support to Ohio residents pursuing STEMM degrees.
Funding through the Choose Ohio First program provides competitive scholarships towards tuition and other college costs, while also providing expanded mentorship and career preparation programming. One key aspect of the Choose Ohio First program is the requirement for experiential learning through research and internship experiences to prepare the students for their future career and/or advanced study.
Our Scholars Are Required To:
- Engage in at least one work-based learning experience (research, co-op, internship)
- Participate in monthly career preparation workshops and Choose Ohio First group social events
- Meet regularly with faculty leaders in their majors for additional advising and mentoring
- Complete progress reports each semester
Our Vision
Our overall vision is to be an inclusive community whose collective commitment to learning sparks transformative thinking, meaningful voice, and sustainable outcomes to better our world.
This vision is supported by our goals to transform lives by providing access and opportunity, fostering diverse and inclusive communities, and advancing the power of discovery, learning, and creative expression.
Our Mission
In support of Kent State University's "Student First" approach, the Choose Ohio First program strives to provide a diverse learning environment where all students thrive, belong, graduate, and become engaged alumni and lifelong learners committed to a life of impact.
We have implemented numerous initiatives to support student achievement and continue to enhance diversity and cultural competence of our students.
Program Director
- Dr. Lique Coolen jcoolen@kent.edu
- 330-672-8973
Academic Program Leaders
- Aeronautics and Engineering: Dr. Michael Fisch mfisch@kent.edu
- 330-672-9388
- Biology and Biotechnology: Dr. Edgar Kooijman ekooijma@kent.edu
- 330-672-8568
- Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Physics: Dr. Michael Tubergen mtuberge@kent.edu
- 330-672-7079
- Computer Science: Jeanne Tan jtan7@kent.edu
- 330-672-9514
- Engineering Technology at Tuscarawas: Paul Dykshoorn pdykshoo@kent.edu
- 330-308-7475
- Environmental Studies: Dr. David Kaplan dkaplan@kent.edu
- 330-672-3221
- Mathematics: Dr. Jenya Soprunova esopruno@kent.edu
- 330-672-9086
- Neuroscience: Dr. Wilson Chung wchung@kent.edu
- 330-672-3641
- STEM Majors at Stark: Dr. Bathi Kasturiarachi akasturi@kent.edu
- 330-244-5172
