Additional funding provided by local organizations will help Kent State University provide financial assistance to those students struggling most to make ends meet during the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kent State University is teaming up with numerous local organizations to relieve some of the financial strain experienced by students due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of $21,500 was donated by six organizations to the Kent State Emergency Grant Fund to assist Kent State University in awarding grants of up to $1,000 to assist students in meeting basic needs such as housing and food as well as assistance with technology costs, tuition, and other academic needs. The main goal of the fund is to keep more students on track to graduating on time in the face of challenges related to COVID-19.
The distribution of these funds is aligned with Kent State University's mission to make a positive regional impact, ensuring access to higher education for students from all backgrounds by providing support that eliminates the most common barriers experienced by students from disadvantaged communities. The Kent State Emergency Grant Fund was established in March 2020. The infusion of cash from the recent donation will allow Kent State University to continue serving its students, particularly those from surrounding counties. Already this year Kent State University has reported that around 6,300 students from Akron and Summit counties are enrolled.
In a recent statement, executive director of foundation relations at Kent State University Benjamin Tipton said, "Recognizing the value of positive regional impact, Kent State and 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." The six area foundations that contributed most recently are: 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. Anyone interested in donating can do so at https://www.kent.edu/flashesgiveback.