The COFSP Summer Math Bridge is a free 4-week on-campus program intended to support and enhance the math skills of high school students who are interested in pursuing a STEM major in college. Particularly, the program addresses the gap in knowledge that often occurs between Algebra II and Pre-Calculus/Calculus. Eligible participants must be currently enrolled in (or have already completed) algebra II and must have a minimum 2.5 GPA. Eligible students who participate in the summer bridge program receive priority consideration for a COF scholarship if they attend YSU and pursue a COF eligible major.

Ohio residents majoring in an eligible major are invited to apply for the Choose Ohio First Scholarship Program at YSU. Choose Ohio First Scholars receive scholarship support in addition to structured academic support:

• Scholars are required to attend monthly cohort meetings
• Scholars participate in an experiential or work-based learning program
• This scholarship is renewable up to 4 years (2 years for graduate students) if recipients maintain a 3.0 GPA and active participation in program activities.

There are currently three Choose Ohio First Scholarship Programs for undergraduate students offered at Youngstown State:

Student Success in STEMM Careers (YSU SSSC)

• 23 students per cohort with 4 spots held for pre-nursing majors and 4 spots held for BaccMed students
• Average $3000 scholarship
• Participate in annual faculty-guided research projects with other students in the program
• Present research at various forums, including the annual Northeast Ohio Choose Ohio First Poster Symposium

Workforce Advancement through YSU STEMM (YSU WAYS)

• 25 students per cohort with emphasis on recruiting Computer Science, Information Technology, and Electrical Engineering
• Average $4000 scholarship
• Focus on career and professional development
• Required participation in at least one transcribed co-op, internship, or REU

YSU STEMM Advancement integrating data (YSU SAiD)

• 20 students per cohort with an emphasis on recruiting those interested in integrating data analytics into their education
• Average $4000 scholarship
• Focus on career and professional development
• Required participation in the YSU Data Mine or obtain the Certificate in Data Analytics and complete at least one transcribed co-op, internship or REU

YSU Undergraduate and Graduate Education and Training in STEMM (YSU GrEaT)

• Preference for graduate students
• Award amounts from $4000-$6400
• Focus on career and professional development
• Required participation in at least one transcribed co-op, internship, or REU

Applications for the Summer Math Bridge Program are encouraged to be submitted by May 1 every year. However, they will be accepted up until one week before the program begins.

You will receive a confirmation email shortly after May 1st confirming your spot in the program, along with additional details.

The Summer Math Bridge Program takes place on the YSU Campus.

The Summer Math Bridge Program is completely free of cost. You will receive a parking pass and all instructional materials upon confirmation of your participation.

The summer math bridge program is intended to assist students who want to pursue a STEM major but need a little extra boost in math. STEM majors are typically math-intensive, so the stronger your math preparation coming in, the better your chances of success. If you feel like your math skills could use some reinforcement, the summer math bridge program could be for you.

The primary content focuses on algebra II and pre-calculus. However, on the first day of class you will take an assessment to see exactly where you are with your math skills. The instructor will work with you develop an individualized curriculum focusing on your areas of strength and weakness.

Yes! Many seniors have participated in the summer math bridge program between graduation and starting their first semester of college. Why? The program is great at prepping you for your first college math courses. We've also been very successful in assisting students who want a higher ALEKS math placement score. This FREE math program could save you THOUSANDS in tuition by helping you to place yourself into a higher level math course.

The priority deadline to apply for the Choose Ohio First Scholarship Program is February 1 each year for SSSC, SAiD and WAYS. The priority deadline for GrEaT is March 1. However, applications are accepted after the priority.

All applicants will receive a confirmation email that their application has been submitted. If you are selected for a spot in the program, you will receive an offer letter in the mail, outlining the award and expectations.

Initial scholarship offers will be made in mid-February. However, it is possible that not all applicants will accept their scholarship, and we will continue to offer spots in the program until all spots are filled.

We encourage you to have your FAFSA complete, but it is not required in order to receive a COF scholarship.

For the most part, yes, Choose Ohio First Scholarships are stackable with other aid and scholarships you may receive. However, if you are receiving tuition remission, a Cochran Scholarship, or other full-ride scholarships, you may not be able to receive Choose Ohio First.

It's possible that you could receive a YSU COF Scholarship. Please contact COF Coordinator, Emilie Brown, for the specifics of your personal situation.