MVNU to award Choose Ohio First scholarships

MOUNT VERNON — First-time freshman and students changing their major into four STEM programs at Mount Vernon Nazarene University may qualify for a state-funded scholarship aimed to keep Ohio students in the state of Ohio after graduation.

MVNU has been awarded over $650,000 funds through the Choose Ohio First scholarship program to be awarded over the next five years. This scholarship will provide critical financial support to students pursuing degrees in computer science, engineering, nursing, and speech language pathology & audiology (CSD). This funding is part of a $32.5 million investment over five years by the Ohio Department of Higher Education, aimed at strengthening Ohio’s STEM workforce and making the state a leader in STEM innovation.

“We are thrilled to be part of the Choose Ohio First program, which aligns perfectly with our mission to provide a transformative education that equips students for both professional success and meaningful lives,” said MVNU President Dr. Carson Castleman. “This funding will make a significant impact on our ability to support Ohio’s future STEM workforce while offering more opportunities for our students to thrive in these dynamic fields.”

MVNU students who meet the eligibility criteria may receive a COF scholarship, which are renewable for up to eight semesters of attendance with continued academic progress within the selected STEM program. The COF scholarship can be combined with other MVNU scholarships and grants.

“This scholarship expands our capacity to enroll more students into our universities’ exceptional STEM programs by making MVNU more accessible and affordable,” said MVNU Vice President of Enrollment Management Rev. Rob Stanley. “By increasing enrollment in these vital fields, we are empowering students to pursue their passions and prepare for a vocation in areas that have far-reaching impacts around the world.”

Students who are interested must apply and be accepted by MVNU and apply for the scholarship by May 16, 2025 to be eligible.

To apply for the Choose Ohio First scholarship, visit mvnu.edu/scholarships/. To apply to MVNU, visit mvnu.edu/apply.