The KeyBank Foundation has given Kent State $1 million to increase recruitment, retention and graduation rates of underrepresented students, according to a Wednesday news release from the university.

“The funding provided by KeyBank Foundation will open doors for diverse students and will elevate Kent State as a national leader in student success initiatives,” Kent State President Beverly Warren stated in the press release.

The Dynamic Education and Engagement for Diverse Students (DEEDS) program — launched in 2016 — is one of the initiatives the grant will help fund. It provides group activities, financial education, career development opportunities and peer counseling to underrepresented students.

Margot Copeland, KeyBank CEO and a Kent State trustee, said in the release: “We recognize that the success of students entering the workforce depends not only on the quality of their education but the resources and support services available.”

Andrew Atkins is the campus editor, contact him at [email protected].