Cleveland State University has been awarded $480,000 in funding support from the Ohio College Access Network (OCAN) – the largest grant made to any Ohio college through the competitive Ohio Can! Go to College funding process, a statewide initiative to help expand the number of individuals preparing to enter postsecondary education during the next two years.

The award will enable CSU to significantly increase student scholarship support and strengthen its Division of University Advancement in preparation for a comprehensive campaign.

“A priority of Cleveland State University is to ensure our educational programs are accessible and affordable to all students. This is consistent with OCAN’s statewide emphasis on building scholarship support for first-generation students, underrepresented minorities, veterans, and economically underprivileged students,” said Peter K. Anagnostos, vice president of University Advancement and executive director of the CSU Foundation, Inc.

“This generous award is a testament to the commitment of OCAN and Cleveland State University to work together with our broader community of donors, corporate sponsors, foundations, civic leaders, neighbors and alumni to make higher education at Cleveland State University more accessible and readily affordable to all who wish to attend,” he added.

Dr. Reginald Wilkinson, president and CEO of OCAN, noted that increasing access to higher education and reducing the cost of higher education are priorities of Chancellor Eric Fingerhut and the state of Ohio. “Cleveland State University has joined OCAN in this effort and we are confident of success,” he said.

With offices in Cleveland and Columbus, the Ohio College Access Network works to increase the number of individuals, particularly underserved populations, who access and complete a post-secondary education, thereby strengthening the state’s work force and economic viability. OCAN programs include one-on-one financial aid counseling, scholarships, mentoring, SAT and ACT preparation, tutoring, college visits and career guidance.

For additional information, contact Peter K. Anagnostos at 216.687.3772.

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