COLUMBUS, Ohio (WDTN) – Governor Mike DeWine announced the state’s latest COVID-19 vaccine incentive program for students currently eligible for vaccination.
The “Ohio Vax-2-School Program” will be open to all Ohioans between the ages of 12 and 25 and will be similar to the scholarship portion of Vax-a-Million. Vaccinated Ohioans in this age range can apply to receive one of five $100,000 scholarships – which can be used for college, technical school or any other form of vocational training.
Along with the $100,000 scholarships, the state will also offer 50 scholarships worth $10,000 each that can be used in the same way.
Ohio will use existing coronavirus relief funds to pay for scholarships, but the Ohio Department of Health and the Ohio Lottery will hold a press conference with additional information next week.
DeWine said the reason the age range is 12 to 25 is to account for some non-traditional students, as well as traditional college students and up — a group in which the state wants to see a rate. higher vaccination.
“The best way for those 12 and older, the best way to stay in school is to get vaccinated. The best way to run cross country on Saturday mornings, if that’s what you like to do , is to get vaccinated. The best way to play football on Friday night is to get vaccinated. The best way to be in theater or debate or whatever you like is to get vaccinated,” said DeWine.
In Ohio, vaccinated students do not have to self-quarantine when exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the classroom or during extracurricular activities.