Ohio Work Ready Grant (OWRG) (OH)

Ohio Work Ready Grant (OWRG) (OH)

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Ohio Department of Higher Education
Last Updated: April 03, 2026

Summary

The Ohio Work Ready Grant (OWRG) provides financial assistance to Ohio residents demonstrating significant financial need as determined by the FAFSA. Eligible students must be enrolled in approved programs at community colleges, technical colleges, or branch campuses. The grant offers up to $3,000 for full-time students and $2,000 for part-time students annually. Institutions will allocate funds based on their student populations, making this grant a vital resource for those pursuing in-demand careers.

Overview

NOTE: Students will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before being awarded the OWRG for each academic year. Other than the June 30 deadline to complete the FAFSA, there is no additional deadline to receive this fund. Ohio Work Ready Grant (OWRG) (OH) The Ohio Work Ready Grant provides funding to Ohio residents who demonstrate the highest levels of financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Eligible students must be enrolled in a qualified program at an Ohio community, state community, or technical college, an Ohio Technical Center, or a state university branch campus. Eligible institutions will need to sign a grant agreement with the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE). This agreement will include details regarding the institutional award. For purposes of OWRG full-time and part-time are defined as follows: Full-time student means a degree seeking student enrolled in 12 or more credit hours per term OR a continuously enrolled student who enrolls in at least thirty credit hours in an academic year regardless of amount per term. Part-time student means a degree seeking student enrolled in 11 or fewer credit hours per term. Funding The maximum yearly award amount is: Up to $3,000 per academic year for full-time degree seeking students. Up to $2,000 per academic year for part-time degree seeking students Up to $2,000 for students enrolled in a short-term certificate or industry recognized credential program (Please note: a student who completes multiple short-term certificates and/or industry recognized credential programs in an academic year is eligible to receive up to $3,000 total for the year, regardless of the number of programs completed in the academic year. Funding for this grant is limited and each participating institution will determine how to allocate the awards based on the student body.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Ohio residents who have completed a FAFSA with an Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) ) or Student Aid Index (SAI) of $3,750 or less and who are enrolled in a qualified program at an eligible institution.Institutions that are eligible for the Ohio Work Ready Grant (OWRG) include:Community, State Community, or Technical Colleges Ohio Technical Centers (OTCs) State University Branch CampusesStudents must be enrolled in a qualified program. This is defined as a credit or noncredit program that leads to an industry-recognized credential, certificate, or degree and prepares the student for a job that is identified as “in-demand” or “critical” as determined by the Office of Workforce Transformation or is submitted by a community, state community, or technical college, an Ohio technical center, or a state university branch campus and will meet regional workforce needs, as approved by the chancellor.Students who are enrolled in certain subject areas are eligible for the OWRG. The subject areas are determined by the CIP Code associated with the student’s enrollment. These codes may periodically change, and the most up-to-date list of codes can be found in the document listed under Classification of Instructional Programs section.