By Suburbanite Staff Report
Three local colleges and universities were among the seven from around Ohio which shared $150,000 in Dominion Higher Education Grants.
Stark State College received $30,000, while Kent State University at Stark and The University of Akron received $25,000. The grants will go toward students in a variety of energy and environmental-focused science, math and technology programs.
For the 2016-17 academic year, colleges, universities, community colleges, schools and educational institutions in Ohio and 10 other states will share grants totaling $1 million from the Dominion Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dominion Resources, parent company of Dominion East Ohio. The higher education grants focus on programs that help prepare students for technical positions in Ohio’s growing energy production and other industries.
"This year’s grants will support a variety of innovative programs encouraging young people to learn the essential skills needed to tackle real-world issues," said Jeff Murphy, Dominion East Ohio vice president and general manager, in a news release. "They will help students gain knowledge and experience with technologies that are leading the way to a greener energy future."
About the local recipients:
The University of Akron received $25,000 for an upgrade of the school’s Surveying and Mapping program with 3-D mapping and aerial surveying equipment. The University of Akron has the only accredited bachelor’s degree surveying program in Ohio and is one of fewer than two dozen in the nation.
Stark State College in Jackson Township received $30,000 for its Polyethylene Pipe Welding Program. The plastic material is used in corrosion-resistant natural gas main and service lines.
Kent State University at Stark, also in Jackson Township, received $25,000 for its "Wired Wetland" program that will fund the real-time collection of environmental data from Kent State Stark Pond and Wetland Research area.