Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced the official launch of the Governor’s Merit Scholarship Program on Monday, in conjunction with the Ohio Department of Higher Education.
The Governor’s Merit Scholarship was introduced in the most recent state budget, House Bill 33, in an effort to enhance the number of high-achieving high school graduates who continue their education in Ohio. A total of $20 million has been allocated for the program’s first year, which is open to graduating seniors in the top 5% of their class in the 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.”
As part of the rollout, an online portal enabling school districts across the state to communicate information on their eligible pupils has been built. The meritscholarship.ohio.gov platform will now accept applications from homeschool children. Students who attend a public or chartered nonpublic high school do not need to apply for the Governor’s Merit Scholarship because their school will assess their eligibility. Homeschool and dropout recovery high school students may be eligible if they take a college admissions test and apply through the portal.
The scholarship is worth up to $5,000 per year and is renewable for four years of full-time study. Tuition and fees, as well as additional educational expenditures such as books, equipment, and room and board, are eligible for funding. The scholarship may be used at any public or private, nonprofit college or university in Ohio.
“With the Governor’s Merit Scholarship, we want to not only reduce any financial barriers that may impact a student’s decision to pursue higher education, but also recognize the impressive scholastic achievement of Ohio’s top graduates and incentivize them to attend a college or university here in Ohio,” said Chancellor Randy Gardner.
For students in the Class of 2024, the portal is expected to remain open through April 30, 2024.
More information is available online at meritscholarship.ohio.gov.
