The University of Akron will be well represented at the Choose Ohio First Scholar Showcase at Columbus State Community College on Monday, April 20. At the annual event, students from around the state will share their experiences as STEM Scholars and present posters on their research.
The UA contingent will include more than 25 Choose Ohio First Scholars and staff. Also in attendance will be two 2014 UA graduates who have been chosen as keynote speakers — Rachelle Forney, who earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering, and Shelby Saylor, who earned a B.S. in Education - Exercise Science.
Rachelle Forney
Participants in Choose Ohio First receive scholarships as they pursue degrees in the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine. The program also is open to students who plan to teach in a STEM field. The STEM Scholars participate in regular advising, tutoring, socio-cultural events, community service and peer mentoring.
Making a difference
The success of UA’s program has been gratifying, notes Adam Smith, assistant vice president for student success.
“With more than 500 graduates and an 80 percent graduation rate, our Choose Ohio First Program serves as a model for other programs,” says Smith. “By engaging students early in the process and helping them see the opportunities open to them, we’ve proven we can make a difference in the lives of real students.”
Forney agrees.
“In Columbus, I will speak on my journey and how the Choose Ohio First scholarship impacted my success,” says Forney. The 2002 Firestone High School graduate came to UA as a transfer student. A single mother, she worked a series of part-time jobs during her years here, including as a peer mentor for the program.
Shelby Saylor
“Without the support and presence of the Choose Ohio First program and a support system of several people, I would not have graduated with an electrical engineering degree,” adds Forney, who now plans to pursue an MBA. “I am honored to represent this program because it has supported me throughout my journey.”
Meanwhile, Saylor is a graduate assistant at Cleveland State University, where she is earning a master’s degree in exercise science.
Tools for success
A first-generation college student from east central Ohio, Saylor came to UA with the strong work ethic instilled by her parents, but lacking in academic preparation.
She says she gained the tools to succeed through Choose Ohio First, and looks forward to sharing her story with other students, faculty and the legislators who provide funding for the program.
“Without the funding, the Choose Ohio First program wouldn’t exist,” notes Saylor. “Students like me who are hardworking, but maybe don’t have the best preparation for college, could just fall to the wayside. There is no better way for me to thank my mentors than to show how this program betters students’ lives every single day.”