State announces new scholarship support for BW computer science students
The
state
of
Ohio
is
investing
more
than
$725,000
in
scholarships
for
students
studying
computer
science
and
related
subjects
at
Baldwin
Wallace
University
over
the
next
five
years.
The new awards, part of the Choose Ohio First (COF) program, are aimed at strengthening the state's workforce in technology-related fields such as cybersecurity, software engineering, business information systems and digital interactive design.
Lt. Governor Jon Husted and Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor Randy Gardner announced the $20-million program aimed at boosting science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education last month.
"I am thrilled that Baldwin Wallace has received grant funding to support students in the STEM fields," said Gardner. "I have great respect for the quality of BW programs, which benefit students and Ohio's economic future."
Thriving BW Tech Programs
Dr.
James
McCargar,
associate
dean
of
BW's
School
of
Natural
Sciences,
Mathematics
and
Computing,
says
BW
earned
such
a
large
share
of
the
funding
based
on
the
strength
of
existing
programs.
"BW's computing majors feature strong ties to the Northeast Ohio tech sector and robust opportunities for real-world experiences outside the classroom, including internships and business projects, an award-winning cybersecurity team and respected student-faculty research in the area of mobile privacy," McCargar said.
State-of-the-Art Building
In
addition,
BW
is
constructing
a
new,
$25
million
STEM
Center
-
designed
in
consultation
with
industry
leaders
-
which
will
bring
together
data
science,
artificial
intelligence,
mathematical
modeling,
cybersecurity,
engineering
and
physics
in
a
state-of-the-art
space.
The 55,000 square-foot Knowlton Center, which will include advanced computer, robotics and engineering laboratories, is set to open in January 2021.
Longstanding Scholarship Partnership
BW students in STEM programs have been recipients of Choose Ohio First scholarship grants for more than a decade. The nearly three-quarters of a million dollars in new support is a focused strategy that strives to increase enrollment and completion in computer science.
"The Choose Ohio First program is one of our state's best tools to increase the number of students preparing to work in STEM-related fields," said Husted. "In today's technology-infused economy, every industry and business has important tech-focused jobs and training Ohioans for careers in those positions is key to growing our economy."
March STEM Visit Day for High School Students
BW will host a special visit day for high school students interested in studying in the STEM majors on Tuesday, March 17.
Contact the BW Office of Admission for more information about the visit day or financial aid for STEM scholars, including Choose Ohio First.