With $1.25 Million Donation from KeyBank, Cleveland State University and Cleveland Metropolitan School District Bring High School for STEM Students to CSU Campus

Officials from KeyBank Foundation, Cleveland Metropolitan School District and Cleveland State University celebrated their STEM partnership on Monday, November 18, at the grand opening of Cleveland’s MC²STEM High School on the CSU campus.

Juniors and seniors attending the STEM high school at its new location at Rhodes Tower West participated in a program that featured a laser-assisted ribbon cutting-ceremony and a showcase of the students’ work.

Among the guests were Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson and high-ranking officials from KeyBank, CMSD and CSU, as well as astronaut Stephanie Wilson, the second African-American female to travel into space.

“We are very excited to have a second CMSD school here on campus,” said CSU President Ronald Berkman. “This would not have been possible without the close collaboration among KeyBank, CMSD and CSU. It is a true partnership that will have long-lasting benefits throughout this community.”

The classroom space, officially named the “KeyBank Classrooms for STEM Education,” is concentrated in Rhodes Tower West, although students enjoy access to a science/chemistry lab in CSU’s new science building and other university facilities.

“This event is a celebration not only of our unique partnership with KeyBank and CSU but also a celebration of our signature partnerships across the city that have helped to make CMSD’s city-wide STEM program a model program in the United States,” said Christine Fowler-Mack, CMSD’s chief portfolio officer.

KeyBank and CSU join General Electric, the Great Lakes Science Center, NASA, the STEM Hub and the Jewish Community Federation in helping to expand CMSD’s growing portfolio of STEM opportunities.

Cleveland’s STEM education program fosters inquiry, innovation and intellectual growth for high school students, said Margot Copeland, KeyBank Foundation chair. “These qualities are requisites for a successful academic career and for students who will eventually become thriving, contributing members of this community.”

Copeland said she and other KeyBank officials believe in Cleveland’s young people and intend for the support to make high school and college graduation realistic goals for all students. “The STEM education program has already demonstrated great promise, and we look forward to its success in years to come,” she said.

Beth Mooney, chairman and chief executive officer of KeyCorp, said KeyBank Foundation’s $1.25 million donation to create the renovated space for MC²STEM High School at CSU is part of KeyBank’s broader vision to expand STEM opportunities in Cleveland.

“As a longstanding member of the community, it is our responsibility and a privilege to support the education of Cleveland youth,” she said. “We were pleased to partner closely with Cleveland Metropolitan School District and Cleveland State University to envision and create the STEM classrooms. Thanks to dedicated partners who all believe in the potential of today's youth, the vision has become a reality.”

The MC²STEM High School curriculum provides strong academic, analytic and problem solving skills, which Principal Jeff McClelland said result in a higher number of high school students going on to higher education.

“Our college acceptance and retention rates remain high, with 100% of our graduates accepted to college last year, and 93% this year,” said McClelland, whose school received ratings of Effective and Excellent the last three years. “Over $10 million in scholarships have been offered to support our MC²STEM graduates.”

The grand opening of the newly located MC2STEM High School capped more than two years of intensive collaboration among KeyBank Foundation, CMSD and CSU.

Cleveland Metropolitan School District

CMSD envisions 21st Century Schools of Choice, where students are challenged with a rigorous curriculum that considers the individual learning styles, program preferences and academic needs of each student and where the skills of high quality educators, administrators and staff are supported and developed.

KeyBank Foundation

KeyBank Foundation, a nonprofit charitable foundation funded by KeyCorp, supports organizations that foster economic self-sufficiency, in geographies where KeyBank has a presence. The Foundation's three primary areas of philanthropic focus are financial education, workforce development and diversity.  In addition, arts, civic, education, and health and human service groups receive Foundation support.  For the past six years, KeyBank Foundation has given more than $18 million annually to nonprofit organizations across the nation. Beyond philanthropy, the Foundation supports communities through corporate contributions and employee volunteerism.

Cleveland State University

Founded in 1964, Cleveland State University is a public research institution that provides a dynamic setting for engaged learning. With an enrollment of nearly 18,000 students, eight colleges and approximately 200 academic programs, CSU was again chosen for 2014 as one of America’s Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report.