Mike Duffey

Ohio is one of two states awarded funding through the federal Talent Search Program, securing $50 million over five years — $10 million annually — to connect low-income middle and high school students with career and higher education options. Gov. Mike DeWine announced the award at the Department of Higher Education's 2026 Trustees Conference, framing it as a response to declining public confidence in the value of a college degree. Recent Gallup polling found about a quarter of Americans have little or no confidence in higher education, a trend that has worsened over the past decade.

The funding will place advisors directly in schools to help roughly 20,000 students explore career paths and post-secondary options, including four-year colleges, career-technical programs and community colleges. Officials say the effort targets first-generation and low-income students in particular. Department Chancellor Mike Duffey said colleges must prioritize helping every admitted student graduate rather than emphasizing selectivity. DeWine also pushed back on proposals to consolidate Ohio's public universities or create a statewide school system.