MEDIA RELEASE_Bluffton University has been awarded a Choose Ohio First (COF) grant by the Ohio Department of Higher Education to support students in critical STEM fields.

The four-year $43,255 grant will support students majoring in biology, chemistry, communication sciences and disorders, environmental science, information technology, mathematics, mathematics education, medical laboratory science, nursing, nutrition and dietetics, pre-engineering, pre-occupational therapy and pre-physical therapy.

Majors selected include long-established programs with experienced teaching faculty as well as majors that are in demand both regionally and across the state. The grant also supports Bluffton’s strategic planning vision to expand health sciences programming.

“At Bluffton University, we are committed to providing transformative educational opportunities for all students,” said Dr. Alex Sider, president of Bluffton University. “We are grateful to the Ohio Department of Higher Education for this investment, which will help us support students with financial need and advance our mission of preparing graduates for lives of purpose.”

“Bluffton’s health science and STEM-related programs continue to attract strong interest from prospective students,” said Claire Kleman, vice president of enrollment and communication. “We are grateful for the opportunities made possible through the Choose Ohio First grant and look forward to expanding access for students pursuing careers in STEM fields while providing the support they need to succeed at Bluffton and beyond.”

Students eligible for the scholarship must be:

• Applied and admitted as a first-year student
• Enrolled full time
• U.S. and Ohio resident and graduate of an Ohio high school
• Enrolled in an approved program through Bluffton University

This is the third time Bluffton University has been awarded a Choose Ohio First grant. Provided by the State of Ohio to bolster a workforce trained in STEM areas, the grants are intended to strengthen the state’s economy.