OHIO — The Governor’s Merit Scholarship Program launched this week as a collaboration between Gov. Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Education.

The program was included in the most recent state budget, House Bill 33, to increase the number of high-achieving high school graduates who remain in Ohio for college. For the first year of the program, $20 million was appropriated, open to 2024 graduating seniors in the top 5% of their class.

“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 DeWine in a news release. “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.”

An online portal was created for school districts to share information about their eligible students. Homeschool students can apply, but students in public or charter schools will have their eligibility determined by their school. Homeschool and dropout recovery students may qualify by completing a college admissions test and submitting an application.

The scholarship is renewable for four years of full-time instruction and provides up to $5,000 per year. Funds can go toward tuition and fees or other expenses such as books, equipment and room and board. The scholarship can 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 in a news release.

For 2024 graduates, the portal is expected to remain open through April 30, 2024.