Franklin University Advances Ohio’s STEM Workforce Through Choose Ohio First Grant

Contact:

Sherry Mercurio
Executive Director, Office of Community Relations
(614) 947-6581
Email: sherry.mercurio@franklin.edu

Franklin University, one of the leading educators of working adults in central Ohio, is proud to announce its continued selection as a Choose Ohio First (COF) grant recipient. This latest award is part of $32,477,779 allocated by the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) to various institutions to enhance STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education across the state, bolstering Ohio’s competitive edge in high-demand industries.

“As Ohio continues to attract new businesses and advance innovation, it’s more critical than ever that we invest in keeping our talented students right here in the Buckeye State,” said Lt. Governor Jon Husted. “The Choose Ohio First program strengthens our commitment to preparing students for in-demand careers while ensuring that Ohio’s workforce remains competitive, dynamic, and ready to meet the needs of our growing economy.” 

Franklin University: Addressing Ohio’s Workforce Needs
As demand for STEM-related talent surges, Franklin University is strategically positioned to support Ohio’s economic development by preparing students for careers in technology, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. With its wide selection of STEM-focused degree programs, Franklin equips adult learners with skills critical to driving innovation and growth in the state.

Supported by the COF program, Franklin offers accessible and workforce-aligned education in disciplines such as:
•    Undergraduate Programs: A.S. Computer Science, A.S. Cybersecurity, A.S. Health Services, A.S. Information Technology, B.S. Analytics, B.S. Computer Science, B.S. Cloud Computing, B.S. Cybersecurity, B.S. Health Education & Promotion, B.S. Healthcare Administration, B.S. Information Systems, B.S. Information Technology, B.S. in Nursing (RN-BSN)
•    Graduate Programs: Master’s of Healthcare Administration, M.S. in Business Analytics, M.S. in Business Psychology, M.S. in Computer Science, M.S. in Cybersecurity, Certificate-Cyber Defense, Certificate-Cyber Governance, M.S. in Data Analytics, Certificate-Data Analytics, M.S. in Health Informatics, M.S. in Information Systems, M.S. in Information Technology, M.S. in Nursing-Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Certificate-Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, M.S. in Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner, M.S. in Nursing-Generalist, M.S. in Nursing-Nurse Administrator, M.S. in Nursing-Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Certificate-Adult-Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

“The Choose Ohio First program continues to grow and thrive under the DeWine-Husted Administration,” said ODHE Chancellor Mike Duffey. “The participation of more schools is a testament to the value of the program in preparing students for successful careers in high-demand fields.”

Investing in Ohio’s Future Through STEM Education
Franklin University’s participation in the COF program underscores its commitment to bridging the skills gap in Ohio’s STEM industries. By combining grant support with its affordable tuition, generous transfer policies, and flexible learning models, Franklin ensures that students from diverse backgrounds have the opportunity to achieve career success in STEM fields.

This continued partnership aligns with Ohio’s broader strategy to grow its talent pipeline, meeting employer needs and securing the state’s position as a leader in innovation and economic growth.

For more information about Franklin University’s STEM programs, visit Franklin University Degree Programs, along with Franklin’s COF scholarship information: https://bit.ly/3S5FD3Q.

About Franklin University

Accredited, nonprofit, and dedicated to educating adults since 1902, Franklin provides onsite course options at our Main Campus in downtown Columbus, Ohio, and is an innovator in providing personalized online education. The University offers applied in-demand undergraduate, masters, and doctorate programs that enable adult learners to achieve their educational and professional goals. Through agreements with partner institutions, the University also offers international academic programs, including its top-ranked MBA.

Franklin University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and holds specialized accreditations for specific academic programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, and the Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management Education. The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security have designated Franklin University as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE).