The Ohio Department of Higher Education has awarded Malone University its next round of Choose Ohio First funding, which will be provided as scholarships to students in STEM programs.

The grant project is entitled "Unique Opportunities, Local Solutions: User-Centered Design of Marine Energy for Lake Erie” and is led by associate professor of engineering Dr. Jeff Dusek.

The funding will be distributed to students who are studying in majors related to science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medical fields.

The funding will be handed out in the form of scholarships for students in STEM programs.

The grant will help the University of Michigan and its partner institutions, including Western Michigan University, establish the Space Power and Propulsion for Agility, Responsiveness and Resilience (SPAR) Institute.

The new additions include a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management program, a Master’s of Science in Management program, and several new concentrations within the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology program.

The center will undergo a three-phase equipment update, with the first phase having been completed while students were on break between semesters. Eighty new pieces of equipment were installed.

Jon Gwizdala has recently been named as head coach of Jackson College’s softball program. Gwizdala has a long career of playing and coaching softball.

Calvin University and Consumers Energy have a 20-year commitment that will see the energy company meeting 100% of the university’s energy consumption needs with wind and solar power.

The grant comes from Lilly Endowment's Ministry in Rural Areas and Small Towns Initiative, which aims to strengthen ministries in rural areas.