COLUMBUS, Ohio – Governor Mike DeWine, alongside Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW) Director Stephen Dackin and Ohio Department of Veterans Services (ODVS) Director Maj. Gen. (U.S. Army, retired) Deborah Ashenhurst, unveiled a new initiative aimed at integrating military personnel and their families into Ohio’s educational workforce.
The initiative, known as the Military Recruit Award program, offers a $3,000 hiring bonus to service members, veterans, and their spouses who join Ohio schools as educators. Governor DeWine emphasized the program’s dual benefits of supporting military families and enriching educational environments across the state.
“In Ohio, we honor our military members and their families,” stated Governor DeWine. “This initiative not only recognizes their service but also enhances our students’ educational experience. The values these individuals bring – duty, integrity, respect, and courage – will leave a lasting impact on our communities. I am eager to witness the positive contributions the Military Recruit Award will bring.”
The Military Recruit Award is structured to assist various educational institutions, including public school districts, community schools, independent STEM schools, and vocational districts, in recruiting qualified Ohioans from military backgrounds. DEW will reimburse participating districts and schools that provide the $3,000 hiring bonus, contingent upon the hired individual remaining employed for at least one year.
Additionally, DEW will provide a $1,500 bonus to the hiring school or district for successfully recruiting and employing an eligible military applicant.
Director Dackin highlighted the program’s potential to enhance Ohio’s educational landscape, stating, “Military personnel embody essential qualities such as leadership and collaboration, which are invaluable in the education sector. The Military Recruit Award will strengthen our education communities by attracting and retaining these highly esteemed individuals to careers in teaching.”
Director Ashenhurst underscored the program’s alignment with Ohio’s commitment to military service and veterans. “Veterans and military members bring strong values, discipline, and teamwork to their roles,” she noted. “Their influence in shaping Ohio’s youth through education is profound. This program provides a meaningful pathway for Ohio’s veterans to embark on successful careers in education.”
Applications for the Military Recruit Award are currently open. For detailed eligibility criteria and application guidelines, interested parties are encouraged to visit DEW’s Ohio Military Veteran Educators Program Recruiting Initiative webpage.
For updates and further information about the Military Recruit Award, educators, veterans, and military families are encouraged to stay connected with DEW and ODVS channels. Heres the webpage – https://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Other-Resources/Military-Resources/Ohio-Educators-with-Military-Connections/Ohio-Military-Veteran-Educators-Program/Veteran-Program-Recruiting-Initiative
