Stark State College receives nearly $1million
for STEM education scholarships

Stark State College will receive nearly $1 million awarded in the first round of Choose Ohio First Scholarship Program to provide scholarships in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medical fields (STEM).

Stark State College will partner with The University of Akron, Baldwin-Wallace College and Lorain County Community College to attract and graduate about 800 students in STEM fields in five years. The group’s proposal, “STEM Undergraduate Engagement in an Engineering Environment,” demonstrated innovation in the areas of student learning communities, early academic intervention and redesigned science modules. In addition, the program has a clear commitment to recruitment and retention of underrepresented student populations. The winning collaboration shares $6.5 million in Choose Ohio First Scholarship Program funds awarded by the state.

“The Choose Ohio First Scholarship Program will provide more students with opportunities to pursue degrees in math, science, engineering and technology,” said Dr. John O’Donnell, president of Stark State College. “As these graduates enter the workplace with the knowledge and skills valued by employers, they will serve to strengthen Ohio’s competitiveness in a global economy.”

There were 28 proposals submitted for the first round of the Choose Ohio First funding consideration, which were subsequently reviewed by a seven-member panel of nationally visible STEM educational experts appointed by Ohio Board of Regents (OBR) Chancellor Eric D. Fingerhut. Awards totaled $27.3 million to 21 institutions. The second round of competition for the remaining $23.7 million is underway. Institutions awarded funds in the first round are permitted to participate in the second round.

“Round one award recipients submitted proposals that were all creative in establishing forward-looking educational initiatives that will advance STEM education in Ohio, and some may well serve as national models,” said Fingerhut. “The leadership of Governor Strickland and the General Assembly has created a tremendous opportunity for Ohio students, our colleges, universities, and their partners, as well as the overall Ohio economy.”

Stark State will also work with The University of Akron to expand its articulation agreements for seamless transfer of Stark State students into bachelor’s degree programs in engineering and biotechnology.

Leading Stark State’s project team are Dr. Frank A. Fuller, department chair/instructor of engineering technology, and Dr. Thomas A. Campbell, instructor/coordinator of sciences and biotechnology.
 

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