Waynesburg University was recently selected to receive a one-time grant from the FirstEnergy Foundation to benefit multiple programs within the sciences.
“The biggest project will support the acquisition of iWorx, a physiology-centered teaching and research platform that provides authentic and high-quality methods for students to obtain and analyze real-time data in the lab."
Through FirstEnergy’s Investing with Purpose (IWP) initiative, the University will receive an award of $35,811 to be used to purchase state-of-the-art tools needed within the programs to implement advances in the technology available for use by faculty and students. These upgrades will work to benefit both on-campus and remote teaching and learning experiences.
The grant is part of more than $3 million recently awarded to nearly 100 organizations under the FirstEnergy Foundation’s Investing with Purpose initiative. Investing with Purpose supports nonprofit organizations that advance health and safety, workforce development, educational and social justice initiatives.
The grant will support numerous areas within the sciences, including two key projects to provide additional hands-on methods of learning for students.
“The biggest project will support the acquisition of iWorx, a physiology-centered teaching and research platform that provides authentic and high-quality methods for students to obtain and analyze real-time data in the lab,” said Dr. Evonne Baldauff, chairperson for the Chemistry and Forensic Science Department and professor of chemistry. “Similarly, the funding will also allow for the purchase of a digital 2-D and 3-D anatomical modeling simulator so that students taking anatomy classes will learn through a more immersive and interactive experience.”
Additional items supported by the grant include the purchase of licenses for a polling software that will allow instructors to embed questions within their lectures and receive real-time feedback from students, and virtual and augmented reality equipment to incorporate realistic scenarios into daily lessons.
About FirstEnergy Foundation
The FirstEnergy Foundation is funded solely by FirstEnergy Corp. and provides support to non-profit, tax-exempt health and human services agencies; educational organizations; cultural and arts programs and institutions; and civic groups in areas served by FirstEnergy’s 10 electric operating companies and in areas where the company conducts business. Learn more at www.firstenergycorp.com/community.
About Waynesburg University
Consistently ranked a best value school, Waynesburg University’s Strategy for the 21st Century affirms its commitment to developing an entrepreneurial mindset and ethical leadership skills for all students. Rooted in its mission of faith, learning and service, the private, Christian university is located on a traditional campus in the hills of southwestern Pennsylvania, with an additional site for graduate and professional programs in Southpointe.
Additional Funding
The FirstEnergy Foundation also recently awarded Waynesburg University a $5,000 grant to be used by the University’s New Student Orientation (NSO) and Diversity & Belonging Team campus groups.
