YSU chosen for 2 state programs

YSU chosen for 2 state programs

Five local high schools are involved in one of the programs targeting math.

YOUNGSTOWN — Youngstown State University will share in $7.6 million in state grants designed to enhance Ohio’s competitiveness in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEM) and STEM education.

The university has joined with various partners to launch two programs financed from the first round of the Choose Ohio First Scholarship Program created by the state to boost STEM education.

“In order for Ohio to be globally competitive for the jobs of the 21st century, we must increase the number of Ohioans with college degrees in critical areas of math, science, engineering and technology. Choose Ohio First helps us do just that,” said Gov. Ted Strickland.

The first round of grants, totaling $22.7 million to 21 Ohio public and private colleges and universities, will be used to attract, retain and graduate more than 2,000 new STEM students over the next five years, the governor said.

Universities and their collaborating partners will also contribute almost $38 million in cash and services to support the implementation and continuation of their programs.

Choose Ohio First has a $50 million allocation, and a second round of competitive proposals seeking the remaining $27.3 million funding begins immediately.

“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,” said Eric Fingerhut, Ohio’s chancellor of higher education.

YSU will be involved in programs called “Diversifying Ohio in STEM (DO-STEM)” and “Student Success in Mathematics.”

DO-STEM sees YSU joining with Central State University (lead institution), Kent State University, Miami University, the University of Cincinnati, Wright State University, Clark State Community College, Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, Sinclair Community College, Avetec, Edison Welding Institute, Honda of America, National Composites Center and the National Environmental Technology Incubator to attract and graduate an estimated 220 STEM students over a five-year period.

The proposal recruits and retains under-represented student populations to the STEM field beginning with hands-on exposure at a high school level. The program will include undergraduate research opportunities, student learning communities and mentoring aimed at retaining new students. The collaboration shares nearly $3.1 million in Choose Ohio First funds.

YSU and a number of local high schools will be involved in the “Student Success in Mathematics” program with Cleveland State University (lead institution), Case Western Reserve University, Kent State University, University of Akron and Cuyahoga Community College to attract and graduate more than 1,000 new STEM students over a 4-year period.

The proposal will improve the coordination between colleges and universities to strengthen the mathematics preparation of entering college students, which is essential to success in STEM courses of study.

Chaney High School, East High School, Girard High School, Warren G. Harding High School in Warren and Youngstown Early College will participate.

The collaboration will share $4.5 million in Choose Ohio First funds.