(North Canton, OH – Aug. 3, 2009) – Stark State College has awarded three additional scholarships to health sciences students through a community–based job training grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. The three-year Expanding Capacity in Health Occupations (ECHO) grant, which focuses on meeting current and projected healthcare worker shortages in the region, was awarded to Stark State in 2008. Scholarships totaling $2,265 were awarded this summer in the expanded functions dental auxiliary (EFDA) program to Jayme Timms of Mogadore, and Sara Strickland of Dover, and in the paramedic program to Danielle Legg of Louisville. In April, the College awarded 22 ECHO scholarships totaling $16,000.

The ECHO grant will allow Stark State to expand capacity in current health sciences programs by offering several of the programs at off-campus sites in Wayne, Holmes and Medina counties in the future, and through the development of new health-related programs. The College currently offers 17 associate degrees and one-year certificates in health-related professions.

For more information, call 330-494-6170 or visit www.starkstate.edu/scholarships.