Stark State Advancement Office records $11 million year

The Stark State College Advancement Office reported $11 million in total giving and grant funding for the 2024–25 fiscal year, marking 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, more than $8.2 million came through grant funding, with notable awards including:

U.S. Department of Labor — $2,231,465 for the Strengthening Community Colleges Evaluation for Northeast Ohio Workforce Initiative in Nursing

Ohio Department of Higher Education — $798,935 for manufacturing training equipment for workforce development

National Science Foundation — $613,759 through the Advanced Technological Education program to enhance Stark State’s automotive technology programs

The Stark State College Foundation also raised more than $2.8 million from individuals, corporations, foundations and service organizations to support student scholarships and educational facilities and equipment.

Stark State College is a student-centered, comprehensive community college offering cutting-edge career programs that reflect the evolving demands of the marketplace. With locations in Stark and Summit counties, the college serves nearly 14,000 students annually and is the fourth largest of the 22 public two-year colleges in the University System of Ohio. Stark State offers more than 200 associate degrees and certificates in business, education, engineering technologies, health and public services, information technology, liberal arts, mathematics and sciences.

For more information, visit starkstate.edu.