COLUMBUS — Ohio has secured a $50 million federal college readiness grant aimed at supporting 20,000 middle and high school students from disadvantaged backgrounds across the state, Governor Mike DeWine announced Wednesday. The funding, part of the federal Talent Search program, is designed to increase the number of students from low-income households or those who will be the first in their families to attend college.
The grant will facilitate the placement of college readiness advisers in 130 schools throughout Ohio, with the goal of assigning one adviser per school. These advisers will offer comprehensive academic, career, and financial counseling. Additionally, they will assist participants in navigating the college application process and publicize available financial aid opportunities, according to a statement from DeWine’s office.
Ohio received the largest award among all applicants for the federal Talent Search grant, and it was the only new state to be awarded money this cycle, the announcement stated. The state will receive $10 million annually over a five-year period to fund the program. Governor DeWine made the announcement during his remarks at the Ohio Department of Higher Education’s annual Trustees Conference.
In a statement regarding the grant, Governor DeWine said it provides "another opportunity to help Ohio students see what is possible for their future." He underscored his belief that every student should have the chance to pursue a college education, an apprenticeship, or other training that leads to a well-paying job. DeWine added that by embedding advisers in schools and connecting students with necessary resources, the program aims to help more young Ohioans overcome barriers and build a successful future, allowing them to reach their full potential.
Ohio’s successful grant proposal included partnerships with several higher education organizations statewide. These collaborators include College Now, the Education Service Center of Central Ohio, Sinclair Community College, Toledo Tomorrow, the GRIT (Growing Rural Independence Together) Project, Junior Achievement, and the Cincinnati Youth Collaborative. These organizations will be instrumental in embedding the advisers within the 130 middle and high schools, connecting students with a range of resources such such as tutoring, career exploration, college application assistance, and apprenticeship opportunities.
The specific schools across the state that will receive these dedicated advisers have not yet been publicly identified. A spokesperson for the Ohio Department of Higher Education confirmed Wednesday afternoon that the department was in the process of notifying the selected schools.
