BGSU intrigues students about STEM innovation, entrepreneurship, financial support options

More than 150 high school students, representing nine schools across five counties, came Dec. 5 to Bowling Green State University for the Believe in Ohio STEM Entrepreneurship & Innovation Forum.

The Northwest Ohio Center for Excellence in STEM Education, housed at the University, co-hosted the forum as a STEM Advocate of the Ohio Academy of Science.

Students and their teachers, powered by a paired effort with the College of Education and Human Development and the College of Business Paul J. Hooker Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, learned first-hand about how they fit with STEM entrepreneurship and innovation. Faculty and staff from both colleges worked alongside real-world entrepreneurs, students and alumni; topics ranged from past experiences to future opportunities.

BGSU students mentored high school students, who by the end of the day pitched business ideas they had developed. To continue the enthusiasm, the University shared information with students and teachers about the STEM, innovation and entrepreneurship programs at BGSU, as well as the financial support options to help them reach their goals.

One of these options is Choose Ohio First which, through the Ohio Department of Higher Education, awards competitive scholarship funding to Ohio’s colleges and universities. Its mission is to support undergraduate and qualifying graduate students in innovative academic programs.

Another option is Believe in Ohio, a free, comprehensive, curriculum-based program that was co-developed with Entrepreneurial Engagement Ohio. Funded by the State of Ohio, the Believe in Ohio program has funded more than $1.2 million in awards and scholarships to Ohio colleges and universities.

The University team is planning the next forum in 2020.