Choose Ohio First

Choose Ohio First: Success in Mathematics

LOWER DIVISION Program
COF_ STEM Fellows

Choose Ohio FirstChoose Ohio First: Success in Mathematics (COF-Math) is a state-funded scholarship and academic program for undergraduate students in STEM majors. It is designed to recruit and retain more Ohio students into STEM fields. The name Student Success in Mathematics comes from the fact that a sound mathematical background is important for each of the STEM fields.

Eligible majors include computer science, all engineering disciplines, mathematics, or physics. Students planning a career as a high school math teacher are also eligible as they will major in mathematics or a similar discipline. Note that having a math major is not a requirement for this program.

Scholarship awards range from $2,000 to $5,000 per student, per academic year, towards the cost of tuition. The actual amount awarded is based on financial need. Scholarships are renewable to cover all four years of an undergraduate degree, contingent on continued eligibility and state funding.

In addition to financial awards, students in the program participate in weekly cohort meetings on a variety of topics, including STEM speakers from industry and academia and academic skill workshops. There are also social activities to strengthen the cohort connection.

Students work in groups each year to complete a research poster and develop technical communication skills by presenting it at the annual poster conference sponsored jointly by the Choose Ohio First programs at Cleveland State University and seven other northeast Ohio institutions.

 

Who Can Apply?

To be considered you must:

  • Be an entering freshman student or a transfer student
  • Be an Ohio resident
  • Have an undergraduate degree plan for a STEM major (computer science, all engineering disciplines, mathematics, or physics)
  • Have a high school grade point average of 3.25 or higher, or ACT score of 27 or higher, or SAT score of 1300 or higher
  • Have a commitment to COF-Math program requirements
  • Not already be receiving a full scholarship
  • Have a current FAFSA on file with Financial Aid (https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa)

*Please note that programs designated as "Upper Level" are only open to incoming transfer students or current Choose Ohio First Scholars already participating in another program

*The Choose Ohio First program is only for students pursuing a first time undergraduate degree. Post-baccalaureate students are ineligible for this program.

 

What are the Program Requirements?

  • Be a full-time undergraduate student in a STEM major (Typically 15 credit hours per semester)
  • Attend at least 5 cohort meetings per semester 
  • Complete a group research poster each spring and present it at our annual Research Poster Conference
  • Meet with assigned advisor at least once a semester
  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher
  • Make progress toward a STEM degree
  • Have a 4-year graduation plan approved by your major advisor (Exceptions may be made for dual majors, students participating in a co-op, etc.) 

     

How Do I Apply?

Application for new freshman students beginning Spring 2024 or Fall 2024:
https://www.csuohio.edu/choose-ohio/choose-ohio-first-scholarship-progra...

Application for new transfer students beginning Spring 2024 or Fall 2024:
https://www.csuohio.edu/choose-ohio/choose-ohio-first-scholarship-progra...

 

For More Information Contact:

Dr. Kiril Streletzky, Director of COF-Math
216.687.2433
​k.streletzky@csuohio.edu