Cincinnati News
Campus News & Events
Preserving OCOG
On March 12, students, faculty, and staff from the Cincinnati Campus traveled to the state capital in Columbus to save the Ohio College Opportunities Grant (OCOG). The state is considering withdrawing this grant for students who attend a career college. According to the Ohio House Bill #1, approximately $30 million dollars would be diverted from the Ohio career colleges to the larger state colleges and universities. The impact to our students will be significant if this bill passes.
Medical Assisting student Regina Richardson was among the participants and expressed concern for her children. “I want my children and grandchildren to have the same or better opportunities. If the Ohio College Opportunity Grant is stopped they won’t get that chance.”
Surgical Technology student Antoinette Prosser has relied on the grant to pay for her education. She said she did not have to worry about the financial obligation, so that left time to focus on her academics. “By keeping OCOG it would give others and me a chance to pursue a higher education.”
Business Administration Management student Cher Williams said she would have never finished school without the support she received from OCOG. She is confused why the state would take these funds away from students attending career colleges: “Are they saying that we are not good enough for the funds? Without these monies, a lot of people would not have an opportunity for a good education.”
The students campaigned diligently at the capital and spoke to Ohio State Representative Connie Pillich and to Michael Evans, Legislative Aide to Ohio State Representative Ronald Maag. For more information, visit SAVEOCOG.ORG.
