Wilberforce, Ohio – Historically black Wilberforce University has received a large grant of $539,108.92 from the Choose Ohio First Scholarship Program, a major support of its STEM teaching activities. Students seeking degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) have this money set aside for tuition, food plans, and books.
The award was secured thanks to a grant application led by Dr. Gerard McShepard, Ph.D., the Associate Provost for Academic Affairs at Wilberforce, submitted on August 28, 2024. With the statement made by the controlling board on December 2, 2024, the Ohio Department of Higher Education confirmed the grant for the fiscal period FY2026 to FY2030.
Dr. Vann R. Newkirk, Sr., the President of Wilberforce University, expressed immense pride in this achievement. “This is a historic achievement for Wilberforce University, marking the first time we have applied for the Choose Ohio First grant – and we succeeded on our first submission,” he said according to a press release.
Dr. Newkirk underlined that this money will significantly improve the university’s ability to provide more STEM-related opportunities, thereby boosting students’ academic interests and helping Ohio’s workforce to grow.
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This grant highlights Wilberforce’s dedication to academic excellence and its goal to grow into a well-known liberal arts university emphasizing STEM education.
“This grant will not only enhance our ability to support current students but also boost enrollment by attracting new students who are eager to pursue STEM degrees,” Dr. McShepard added, who also serves as the program manager for the Choose Ohio First initiative at the university.
Aiming to keep Ohio at the forefront of innovation and technological advancement, the Choose Ohio First program is vital to the strategic efforts of the state to develop and retain outstanding talent in the STEM disciplines. Wilberforce University intends to significantly expand its STEM offerings with the infusion of this new funding, therefore benefiting not just its student body but also the larger community.
“This investment aligns with our vision to elevate Wilberforce’s profile as a university that excels in both the liberal arts and STEM disciplines,” Dr. McShepard stated. The university is poised to leverage this grant to further student success and ensure that its graduates are well-prepared to excel in highly competitive and high-demand fields.
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By arming students to be leaders in the technical workforce of tomorrow, Wilberforce University not only upholds its historical legacy but also increases its position in modern education through such projects.
