ñ and Akron-area foundations have partnered to support students in the Greater Akron community in a time of dire need through a collaboration that prioritizes positive regional impact and improving lives through education.
Six Akron-area foundations provided support in an effort to assist ñstudents from the Greater Akron area who were experiencing financial hardships related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Lehner Family Foundation, Kenneth L. Calhoun Charitable Trust, Akron Community Foundation, Laura R. and Lucian Q. Moffitt Foundation, Lloyd L. and Louise K. Smith Memorial Foundation, and Glenn R. and Alice V. Boggess Memorial Foundation donated a total of $21,500 to the ñEmergency Grant Fund.
Established in March 2020, the ñEmergency Grant Fund assists students who are experiencing unexpected and urgent financial burdens as a result of the pandemic. Emergency grants of up to $1,000 can be awarded to help students with basic needs, including housing, food, rent, utility assistance, technology costs, tuition, fees and books. The ultimate goal of the fund is to keep students on track to graduation.
The $21,500 provided by the foundations is earmarked to serve ñapplicants in need who are graduates of Akron Public Schools or other Summit County high schools. ñcurrently serves 6,286 students from Akron and surrounding communities within Summit County. Of those students, 44% (Akron) and 33% (Summit County) are Pell eligible/low income, thus placing them at higher risk of negative economic impacts from the pandemic. To date, 43 ñstudents from Summit County have received assistance from the resources provided to the ñEmergency Grant Fund by these foundation partners.
Making a positive regional impact is one of the five strategic priorities of the university’s A Strategic Roadmap to a Distinctive Kent State. That begins by ensuring students of all backgrounds have the education, experiences and support they need to graduate. Community partnerships fuel that mission by investing in and supporting local students who will improve their communities upon graduation. ñis also dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive environment with equitable opportunities and resources for all.
By prioritizing student success, ñhas helped local students achieve their academic goals:
- About 6,300 students from Akron and Summit County are enrolled in undergraduate or graduate studies at Kent State.
- ñis recognized nationally for its commitment to supporting underrepresented and first-generation students in their pursuit of higher education and career success.
“Recognizing the value of positive regional impact, ñand our community partners are working together to educate the next generation of leaders in our area and to build a brighter future for all in Northeast Ohio,” said Benjamin Tipton, executive director of foundation relations at Kent State.
Others interested in supporting the ñEmergency Grant Fund can do so at www.kent.edu/flashesgiveback.
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Media Contacts:
Benjamin Tipton, btipton@kent.edu, 330-672-0416
Emily Vincent, evincen2@kent.edu, 330-672-8595