Apply for the Choose Ohio First Scholarship at Southern State to receive free education

By Elizabeth Burkard
Director of Marketing
Southern State Community College

The Choose Ohio First (COF) Scholarship application is now available to first-time students who plan to attend Southern State Community College this fall. Choose Ohio First is part of a strategic effort to strengthen Ohio's science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) scholars and industry leaders. 

Southern State Community College will focus the Choose Ohio First benefits on students pursuing a certificate or degree in Computer Information Technology, including focus areas of networking, robotics, cybersecurity, and programming.

Eligible students must be new to the program of study at Southern State. This includes those who change majors within Southern State. For example, a Nursing student who decides they want to do Computer Technology would qualify for a COF scholarship.

Scholarship requirements include the following:

• Complete the Choose Ohio First Scholarship Application;

• Enroll in at least nine credit hours per semester and progress toward graduation;

• Reside in Ohio;

• Attend and complete the New Student Orientation;

• Meet with an academic advisor or computer technology faculty at least twice during the semester;

• Maintain a 3.0 GPA. Students whose GPA falls below 3.0 will be required to work with the Program Advocate for support services. Two consistent semesters of a GPA below 3.0 could prohibit participation in the COF program

• Declare a major in computer technology; see an academic advisor to verify or change; and

• Participate in the COF Scholar Showcase as well as any COF activities and submit all required COF surveys.
 
Students who receive a Choose Ohio First scholarship must participate in a work-based learning opportunity such as a STEM internship, co-op, or research to help them transition effectively to the STEM workforce after 

Any student who has a balance with Southern State Community College will not be eligible for this funding source. Students will be responsible for any costs not covered by the scholarship, primarily any lab fees for the classes.

The fall 2025-26 academic year application deadline is July 1, 2025. Southern State Community College will notify COF award recipients via mail, with letters being sent out during the week of August 4, 2025.

Those interested in learning more about Choose Ohio First scholarship opportunities at Southern State can contact Lisa Hord, Strategic Project Support Specialist, at 800.628.7722, Ext. 3513 or email lhord@sscc.edu.