Valley Congressman, Tim Ryan announced on Thursday that Kent State University will be receiving $300,000 from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish a STEM women's support network to promote community building and mentorship pertaining to service workloads.

This will foster gender equity through a focus on the identification and elimination of organizational barriers impeding the full participation and advancement of diverse faculty in academic institutions.

"We must ensure that women are given equal access to the same opportunities in their schools and workplaces as their male counterparts. I commend Kent State University for taking the lead and leveling the playing field to bring everybody on board to lead the industries of the future," Ryan said.

The NSF supports research, innovation and discovery that provides the foundation for economic growth in the U.S