UA Is Lead Institution in $6.5 Million STEM Grant

Akron, Ohio, March 20, 2008 — The University of Akron is the lead institution in a $6.5 million Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) scholarship grant from the Choose Ohio First Scholarship Program, and is a partner in two others.

UA's proposal received the largest award in a competition worth more than $22.7 million in Choose Ohio First funds, announced March 7 by Gov. Ted Strickland.

The university was the lead institution in its successful submission, “STEM Undergraduate Engagement in an Engineering Environment,” designed to attract and graduate an estimated 790 students in STEM fields. Its partners are Lorain County Community College, Baldwin-Wallace College, and Stark State College of Technology.

The proposal includes innovation in student learning communities, early academic intervention, redesigned science modules and a cooperative education program. It also incorporates recruiting and retaining underrepresented student populations.

UA is a partner in “Student Success in Mathematics” and “Ohio Consortium for Bioinformatics” grants that were successful in receiving funding as well.

“We are grateful for the opportunities the Choose Ohio First grants will provide for the students we and our partners will recruit and prepare for STEM careers,” says Dr. Elizabeth Stroble, UA senior vice president, provost and chief operating officer. “The results will address critical needs in the region and the state, providing young people with bright futures while building the basis for a vibrant, competitive economy.”

The Choose Ohio First scholarships will help Ohio public and private colleges and universities attract, retain and graduate more than 2,000 new STEM students over the next five years.

Universities and their collaborating partners will contribute almost $38 million in cash and services to support the start-up and continuation of the funded Choose Ohio First programs.

There were 28 proposals submitted for the current round of funding. A second round of competition to award the remaining $27.3 million available has begun.

“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,” says Eric Fingerhut, chancellor of the Ohio Board of Regents.

The Choose Ohio First Scholarship Program is intended to be Ohio's premier model for recruiting and retaining more Ohio residents as students in STEM and STEM education fields.

"STEM education is important because it builds the knowledge and skills that are the most highly valued in the economy," says Ohio House Speaker Jon Husted, who championed the effort of the Choose Ohio First scholarships in the Ohio Legislature. "Not only does a STEM education improve the earning power of individuals, the STEM-based environment makes Ohio more attractive for businesses and jobs. These scholarships are knocking down the financial barriers that stand between students, a better education and a brighter, more talented Ohio."

More information is available online at http://universitysystem.ohio.gov/chooseohio1st.

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