ALLIANCE, Ohio — For the second consecutive year, the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) has awarded the University of Mount Union funding as part of its Choose Ohio First (COF) grant program. The total awarded to Mount Union was $504,000, and combined with the previous grant received, the University has been awarded a total of $709,625 from COF.

Mount Union aims to use these funds to increase access for underrepresented students from Northeast Ohio wishing to pursue majors and careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM). This includes bolstering existing partnerships with Akron North High School and Alliance High School, as well as support neighboring school districts in Stark and Summit Counties.

Included as part of these efforts would be to provide “gap funding” to students from these local high schools wishing to study STEMM related disciplines at Mount Union. This would help make a college education possible for students of all backgrounds who are interested in Mount Union.

“Given the State’s ongoing support, the University of Mount Union is delighted to continue offering this level of financial aid in support of our future graduates,” said Dr. Kristine Still, founding dean of Mount Union’s College of Applied and Social Sciences and author of the grant. “Mount Union’s central mission is to prepare students for fulfilling lives, meaningful work and responsible citizenship and we are hopeful that as our recipients take advantage of the opportunity this funding provides; they will choose to give back to Ohio as they launch and establish their careers.”

Dr. Kristine Still 

“Choose Ohio First is an important part of Ohio’s strategy to develop STEM talent in our state,” said Randy Gardner, chancellor of the ODHE in a letter to each COF grant recipient. “As such, this administration has committed more than $161.3 million over the past four years to STEM and STEM Education scholarships. [Mount Union’s] commitment to high-quality STEM programs that meet the needs of Ohio’s employers is essential to the success of this strategy.” 

The ODHE has awarded more than $161.3 million in grants over the past four years as part of the COF initiative to support STEMM education. 

Learn more about Mount Union’s STEMM programs by visiting mountunion.edu/undergraduate-degrees.