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When we think of college recruiting, we usually think of star athletes or prodigious researchers, but Ohio lawmakers know it is important to attract all kinds of students to Buckeye State colleges and universities. One proposal by state Rep. Jon Cross, R-Kenton, aims to do that with state income tax exemptions, tax breaks on paid college internships, merit-based scholarships for out-of-state students and more money funneled into the college grant fund for students with associate's degrees pursuing a bachelor's degree.
To receive the out-of-state scholarships, students would have to be in the top 5% of their graduating class and pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and math.
Cross, who is the chairman of the House Finance Subcommittee on Higher Education, said the goal is "to incentivize Ohio's younger population to live, learn, work and prosper in Ohio vs. leaving the state after graduation."
Neighboring states have implemented similar programs, with some success, and Ohio has some work to do if it is to catch up. (Lawmakers will have to be honest with themselves about the potential for such a move actually increasing population to the point of restoring Ohio to its former glory with 24 congressional districts. It now has 15.)
Still, there are many reasons the effort is worthwhile. Ohio needs new ideas, new perspectives and a reminder that we should be working to attract and retain not just college students, but those in all phases of their educations and careers. Perhaps Kenton's effort will be just the start.