The Office of Academic and Retention Support (formerly Choose Ohio First STEM Scholarship Program) provides academic and personal support to the students at the University of Akron in its various programs. COF is a grant provided by the State of Ohio, Ohio Department of Higher Education. The University of Akron was awarded the grant in 2008 and began the program in 2009 with a goal of producing an additional 800 graduates in the science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM) fields. OARS provides not just financial resources but also intrusive, holistic support.
