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(Photo courtesy: city of Akron)

(Photo courtesy: city of Akron)

(Photo courtesy: city of Akron)

AKRON, Ohio– Stark State College is expanding with the announcement of a new facility in Akron.

The 50,000-square-foot campus will be located on 11 acres along Route 8 at the Perkins Street exit. It will take about two years to complete.

Stark State College, which has its main campus North Canton, offers students more than 230 associate degrees and career certifications. There are satellite centers already in Alliance and Barberton.

“Stark State College Akron will provide affordable, quality associate degrees and certificates that lead to careers in high-growth, high-demand fields to benefit students, businesses and Greater Akron communities,” said Stark State President Para M. Jones, Ph.D, in a news release on Thursday.

As part of the agreement between Stark State and Akron, the college will pay the city $47,469 a year for 20 years for the property. The state of Ohio is providing $6.5 million in funding.

“This expansion of Stark State College into Summit County is a much needed step to providing the men and women in our workforce with the training and education they need to compete in the 21st century,” said Summit County Executive Russ Pry. “In turn, this highly skilled workforce will continue to be an engine for successful business here in Summit County.”

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