Ohio will receive $50 million in federal funding over the next five years through the Talent Search Grant program, an award that state leaders say will help thousands of students prepare for college and careers.
Gov. Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor Mike Duffey announced that Ohio was the largest grant recipient and the only new state selected for funding. The grant is expected to serve 20,000 students each year across 130 Ohio schools.
Here's what we know so far.
How Ohio will use $50 million to fund higher education
The funding will support partnerships with organizations including College Now, Sinclair Community College, Junior Achievement and the Cincinnati Youth Collaborative, according to the announcement.
The state says the goal of the federal Talent Search program
is to increase the number of children from disadvantaged backgrounds who earn a high school diploma, enroll in college, and complete their postsecondary education.
These groups will place advisors in schools to help students access services such as:
- Tutoring and academic support
- Career exploration
- College application assistance
- Apprenticeship opportunities
- Financial aid guidance
"This grant gives us another opportunity to help Ohio students see what is possible for their future," said DeWine in a statement. "By putting advisors in our schools and connecting students with the resources they need, we will help more young Ohioans overcome barriers to building a successful future so they can reach their full potential."
Who qualifies for Ohio's $50 million for higher education?
The governor's office said the grant will serve 20,000 low-income and first-generation college students annually across 130 schools. However, the Ohio Department of Higher Education's Talent Search Ohio webpage describes the participants as middle- and high-school students from low-income, first-generation and under-resourced backgrounds.
While the state has announced the organizations that will help administer the program, officials have not yet announced the 130 participating schools or specific information on how students will access the program.
What is Talent Search Ohio?
Talent Search Ohio is the state's program aimed at helping students prepare for college, careers and apprenticeships.
According to the Ohio Department of Higher Education, it will serve 20,000 middle- and high-school students annually across 130 schools. The department says participating students will have access to tutoring, college and career advising, FAFSA assistance and career planning.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ohio wins $50 million to support disadvantaged students, higher education
