Volunteers from UA's Choose Ohio First STEM Scholars program prepare to deliver warm clothing collected during their Children's Hat & Mitten Drive.
Children throughout the Akron area will receive the gift of warmth this winter, thanks to the Children's Hat & Mitten Drive, coordinated by The University of Akron's Choose Ohio First STEM Scholars. Through their efforts, 705 hats, gloves, mittens and scarves were collected.
The Children's Hat & Mitten Drive ran from Nov. 1-28. On Nov. 29, the items were distributed to Akron's Crouse and Robinson Elementary Community Learning Centers. The scholars envisioned teachers and other school staff giving new winter clothing to students coming to school without the outerwear items.
“We remembered how many hats and sets of mittens we would lose every winter as kids,” says Jourdon Harrison, a freshman biology major. “We wanted to do our part, so that the teachers can make sure every child goes home from school warm this winter.”
The Choose Ohio First STEM Scholarship provides half tuition to 350 students studying science technology, engineering and mathematics at UA. The vigorous, yet supportive program boasts a 94 percent graduation rate, but the scholars' campus involvement extends beyond their own good grades. They are required to engage in intrusive support services such as life coaching, sociocultural activities, tutoring, community service and peer mentoring. They also do a wide variety of community activities throughout the school year.
Media contact: Sarah Lane, 330-972-7429 or slane@uakron.edu.