OCEA Scholarships
Cooperative Education (Co-op) is an educational program combining classroom study with career related work experience. Co-op and Internship students combine classes with a series of planned, supervised, and paid periods of employment at a work site approved by their colleges or universities.
The Ohio Cooperative Education Association (OCEA) is a professional organization dedicated to promoting and
strengthening Integrated Learning throughout the State of Ohio.
Its members include faculty and staff from higher education institutions
and hiring managers and university recruiters from businesses which participate
in Integrated Learning.
OCEA awards $1,000 Scholarships to students pursuing both 2-year and 4-year college degrees in Ohio that have participated in an internship, co-op, apprenticeship, or work-based learning experience over the last year! Scholarship funds may be used for educational, loan-related, or career-related expenses, including but not limited to:
- Tuition or fees
- Books or academic supplies
- Student loan repayment
- Certification or licensure costs
- Career or professional expenses (e.g., transportation, equipment, interview attire)
Applications are now open. The deadline for applying for 2025 Scholarships are April 1st, 2026. Contact Lauren.Grace@NM.com with scholarship questions.
TWO-YEAR UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP:
- Minimum GPA requirement of 2.5/4.0
- Must be enrolled in a college or university in the State of Ohio
- Applicants must have completed an internship or co-op during Summer 2025, Fall 2025, or are in the process of completing an internship, work-based learning expereince, apprenticeship, or co-op by Spring 2026
- Internship, work-based learning experience, apprenticeship, or co-op must be located in Ohio or the employer’s headquarters must be located in Ohio
- Applicants are eligible regardless of graduation timing
- Must submit a reference from a university staff member and internship or co-op supervisor
- Available to all college majors
- Past scholarship winners are not eligible for future awards
FOUR-YEAR UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP:
- Minimum GPA requirement of 3.0/4.0
- Must be enrolled in a college or university in the State of Ohio
- Applicants must have completed an internship, work-based learning experience, or co-op during Summer 2025, Fall 2025, or are in the process of completing an internship or co-op by Spring 2026
- Internship or co-op must be located in Ohio or the employer’s headquarters must be located in Ohio
- Must have a minimum of one semester/term of school remaining after May 2026
- Must submit a reference from a university staff member and internship or co-op supervisor
- Available to all undergraduate college majors
- Past scholarship winners are not eligible for future awards