The Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) has awarded Lake Erie College a Choose Ohio First grant totaling $779,000 to enhance the institution’s STEM programs. This is the college’s fourth Choose Ohio First grant, aimed at expanding opportunities for students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM).
The funds will support Lake Erie College’s continued success with its Choose Ohio First STEMM Scholars program, which provides scholarships to underrepresented students pursuing STEMM degrees. Since 2022, the program has financially supported 59 Lake Erie students, helping to remove barriers to higher education and fostering academic success in fields critical to Ohio's workforce.
The Choose Ohio First program is part of the state’s efforts to strengthen Ohio’s position in the STEM fields by increasing the number of skilled graduates and STEM educators. This initiative provides funding to colleges and universities across the state to offer scholarships to students seeking certificates, associate, bachelor’s, and graduate degrees in eligible STEM fields.
“The ongoing support of the Choose Ohio First program means more Lake Erie College students have the opportunity to prepare for a successful future in their chosen STEM program,” Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor Mike Duffey said. “This latest award shows Lake Erie’s commitment to providing skilled workers in numerous high-demand fields, including education, data science, and healthcare.”
Dr. Johnathan Tedesco, Dean of the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and Director of the STEMM Scholars program at Lake Erie College, expressed gratitude for the grant: “We are deeply thankful to Chancellor Duffey and the Choose Ohio First team for their continued support. This additional funding will allow us to further assist underrepresented students in STEM, reducing their financial burdens and providing the resources they need to thrive academically and professionally.”
Lake Erie College’s innovative STEM programs are designed to provide work-based learning experiences and equip students for careers in Ohio’s growing healthcare, bioscience, and technology sectors. The demand for skilled STEM graduates is particularly high in the Cleveland area, home to leading institutions and corporations needing a qualified workforce.
For more information about the Choose Ohio First program at Lake Erie College, please contact Dr. Johnathan Tedesco at jtedesco@lec.edu. To learn more about Lake Erie College’s STEM-related majors, scholarships, and admission process, visit lec.edu/admission.