NORTH CANTON, Ohio, July 28, 2025 – The Stark State College Advancement Office reported $11 million in total giving and grant funding for the 2024-25 fiscal year, a nearly 22% increase from the previous year.

“Grants and private fundraising positively impact our students and the education and opportunities we bring to our community,” said Para M. Jones, Ph.D., president of Stark State College. “These additional resources enable Stark State to strengthen academic programs, provide more student scholarships, and enhance our facilities and instructional equipment.

“Even though our tuition is the lowest in the region, many students need the support of private scholarships to pay for books and other costs so they can begin and complete our excellent programs and fill the many in-demand jobs in our region,” Jones added.

Of the total amount, more than $8.2 million came through grant funding, with notable awards including:

• U.S. Department of Labor, Strengthening Community Colleges Evaluation for Northeast Ohio Workforce Initiative in Nursing Grant: $2,231,465.
• Ohio Department of Higher Education, manufacturing training equipment for workforce development: $798,935.
• National Science Foundation, Advanced Technological Education: $613,759, to enhance Stark State’s world-class automotive technology programs.

The Stark State College Foundation also raised over $2.8 million in contributions from individuals, corporations, foundations and service organizations for student scholarships and educational facilities and equipment.