Choose Ohio First Grant Funding Renewed to Support Malone STEM Students
Malone University has again been awarded funding from the Ohio Department of Higher Education to support students with an interest in careers in STEM – this year totaling $773,500.00.
Choose Ohio First is an important part of Ohio’s strategy to develop science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) talent around the state, with the Fiscal Year 2025 funding round committing $32.5 million in scholarships from Academic Year (AY) 2026 through AY30. This is in addition to the $200 million previously allocated for scholarships from AY21 through AY29. By investing in high-quality STEM programs and nurturing partnerships with Ohio’s employers, Choose Ohio First addresses workforce shortages and ensures long-term economic growth.
As a regional leader in equipping the next generation of STEM professionals, and northeast Ohio’s only Bible-based university, Malone remains fully committed to supporting high-quality programs that meet market demand for Ohio’s workforce.
“We’re grateful that the Ohio Department of Education has continued to award this generous scholarship funding to us,” said Provost Christina Schnyders, Ph.D., LPCC-S. “As a Christian institution, the ways in which we integrate faith into our learning uniquely prepares students to be servant leaders in their chosen professions. We believe that our Christian worldview prepares compassionate healthcare practitioners, wise stewards of God’s creation, and empathetic educators across STEM and other disciplines.”
Since its launch in 2008, Choose Ohio First has increased STEM enrollment and graduation rates statewide through scholarships and hands-on learning opportunities like internships, co-ops, and research projects. These efforts strengthen the State’s ability to meet workforce demands in critical fields such as advanced manufacturing, healthcare, information technology, and aerospace.
"This latest group of Choose Ohio First awardees, including Malone University, represents Ohio's best when it comes to preparing STEM scholars for success in the workforce," Chancellor Mike Duffey said. "I commend Malone for its efforts as part of the Choose Ohio First program and for being among these deserving campuses."
To be eligible for Choose Ohio First funding, Ohio residents must be seeking an undergraduate or graduate degree and must be new to the STEM program at the institution. They must enroll in one of the institution’s eligible programs of study and meet admissions criteria.
Malone students will be eligible to receive up to $8,000 in additional scholarship funding. Undergraduate programs that are eligible for support include biochemistry, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, mathematics, nursing, and zoo & wildlife biology. Graduate programs that are eligible for support include clinical mental health counseling and the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Priority is given to those who indicate interest by February 1, 2025.