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�鶹ӰԺ 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 �鶹ӰԺ State students 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 �鶹ӰԺ State Emergency Grant Fund. 

Established in March 2020, the �鶹ӰԺ State Emergency 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 �鶹ӰԺ State applicants in need who are graduates of Akron Public Schools or other Summit County high schools. �鶹ӰԺ State currently 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 �鶹ӰԺ State students from Summit County have received assistance from the resources provided to the �鶹ӰԺ State Emergency 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 �鶹ӰԺ 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. �鶹ӰԺ State is also dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive environment with equitable opportunities and resources for all.

By prioritizing student success, �鶹ӰԺ State has helped local students achieve their academic goals: 

• �鶹ӰԺ 6,300 students from Akron and Summit County are enrolled in undergraduate or graduate studies at �鶹ӰԺ State.
• �鶹ӰԺ State is 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, �鶹ӰԺ 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,” said Benjamin Tipton, executive director of foundation relations at �鶹ӰԺ State.

Others interested in supporting the �鶹ӰԺ State Emergency 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