Over $1.3 Million Approved for Stark State College of Technology Projects

COLUMBUS — Funds totaling over $1.3 million were approved by the State Controlling Board on Monday for various Stark State College of Technology projects, announced State Representative Scott Oelslager (R-North Canton). 

“Stark State College of Technology has done an excellent job getting this funding approved,” said Oelslager. “I’m very proud to have an institution that works so hard for its students in Stark County and Northeast Ohio. I’m confident the college’s graduates will be some of the most prepared to enter the workforce.” 

The college submitted requests for funding to enhance educational programs and maintain the campus. 

For programs pertaining to allied health fields of study, the school sought out funding to purchase high tech equipment such as a proprietary surgical table simulator, a mechanical ventilator for respiratory care training, a blood analyzer and a urine chemical analyzer for medical laboratory technician training and a hospital bed for nursing instruction. 

Engineering students will also benefit from the latest requests. Funding was approved to acquire industrial robotics equipment, programmable logic controller equipment, and welding equipment. Special attention was drawn to The FANUC LR Mate 200iD 4/S R-30iB industrial robot, a piece of technology with the programming necessary for Stark State students to complete their certification and the school’s curriculum. 

Oelslager noted how the plans for new equipment are geared towards STEM fields. 

“Science and engineering are two areas with constant high demand and ever-increasing standards. I’m glad to see Stark State is taking steps to ensure Ohio students stay ahead of eight ball,” he said. 

In regard to the campus, over $1 million will be spent to replace the deteriorating roof of the G building on Stark State College's North Canton campus. Multiple HVAV units on their D building also need replacing. 

The current 11 units are from when the facility was still being used as an industrial center. As a place of education, new smaller and more efficient Luxaire units will meet the building’s heating and cooling demands. 

Representative Oelslager serves as a member of the Controlling Board. The next meeting is scheduled for May 9.