COLUMBUS – Governor Mike DeWine and the state Department of Higher Education, has announced the official launch of the Governor’s Merit Scholarship Program, intended to increase the number of high-achieving high school graduates who remain in Ohio for college.
A total of $20 million was appropriated in the most recent state budget for the first year of the program, which is open to graduating seniors in the top 5% of the graduating class of 2024.
“With so many world-class higher education institutions in Ohio, we want to encourage all students to stay in-state as they continue their education and transition into careers,” said Governor DeWine. “Ohio is truly the heart of opportunity, and we want all Ohioans to find the path that is right for them, right here at home.”
The scholarship provides up to $5,000 per year, renewable for four years, which can be used for tuition and fees, books and equipment, and room and board, at any public or private, nonprofit college or university in Ohio.
An online portal has been created for school districts across the state to transmit information about their eligible students. The portal will also accept applications from homeschool students, DeWine said.
For students in the class of 2024, the portal is expected to remain open through April 30, 2024.