(North Canton, OH – April 23, 2020) – Stark State College students will have access to $2.5 million in federal emergency dollars to help them deal with obstacles in their education and life created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Stark State will distribute the grants to help with added expenses students are encountering due to closings and other effects of the coronavirus outbreak, including costs for food, housing, course materials, technology, health care and childcare.

The funding is being supplied by the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund,  authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The CARES Act provides nearly $14 billion to support postsecondary students and institutions across the country.

“The emergency funds available through the CARES Act will help students continue their education, despite the current challenges caused by COVID-19,” said Stark State College President Para M. Jones, Ph.D. “At Stark State, social distancing is not social isolation. Our faculty and staff have deep experience in online teaching and learning.
We have been a leader in online courses and programs.

“This is the time for people of all ages to take advantage of Stark State’s excellent in-demand academic programs, low tuition and CARES Act emergency funding to achieve their educational and career goals,” Jones added. “When we emerge from this crisis, we want people in our region to be prepared for the many career opportunities that will be available.”

Stark State’s total CARES Act award will be $5 million. The additional funding will help the College with costs and changes to instructional delivery in response to COVID-19.