For the seventh straight year, the State of Ohio has awarded BW Choose Ohio First (COF) grant funding in recognition of the university's ongoing accomplishments in educating the next generation of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) leaders.
In November 2025, BW was awarded $537,820 in additional COF funding to bolster success in retaining and graduating BW students who have an interest in STEM majors and careers. This award is a continuation of funding that supports current BW students who are receiving COF scholarships.
Admitted, incoming first-year, transfer, post-baccalaureate and graduate students coming to BW for fall 2026 also can receive COF scholarships up to $6,500 for enrollment in designated undergraduate, post-baccalaureate and graduate programs through previous COF award funding.
At BW, Choose Ohio First is part of the University's STEM Scholars program. BW students who apply for and are awarded a COF scholarship are automatically granted membership in the STEM Scholars program.
STEM Scholars is a signature program at BW that provides academic and experiential learning enrichment. It features exclusive programming, networking and STEM success coaching for students within the STEM Scholars program. BW's COF program currently serves 140 students.
A Rural Health Scholars Program, backed by COF funding, is available to BW students interested in making a difference in rural communities across Ohio. The program helps students build a meaningful career in the health sciences. It offers financial support, hands-on experience, and a close-knit community of peers and mentors.
The BW Rural Health Scholars Program is open to first-year and transfer undergraduate and graduate students in health science majors and programs.
The COF program, administered through the Ohio Department of Higher Education, aims to strengthen Ohio's competitiveness in meeting the talent and workforce needs of regional and state-wide organizations through scholarships, programming and work-based learning.
Individuals who are passionate about improving healthcare access, supporting underserved populations and building a future in a high‑impact health profession are strongly encouraged to participate.
BW eligible majors include:
Eligible post-graduate programs include:
For more information about BW's Choose Ohio First grants, visit Baldwin Wallace University's Choose Ohio First STEM Scholars Program. Ashlea Bruno is the BW COF STEM Scholars director.
To learn more about the BW Rural Health Scholars Program, please email ruralhealth@bw.edu or call (440) 826-3408.
