Youngstown News
Campus News & Events
Making an OCOG Difference
A rally was held on Saturday, April 4th, at the Youngstown Campus with about 40 students present to discuss the Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG) funding and how they will be affected by a cut in grant money. OCOG money is the only state funding assistance available to career college students. Later this month, Ohio state representatives will vote on whether to pass a bill that cuts the budget almost in half.
Information systems engineering student Paul McCartney, who is in his third term, spoke at the rally about how, if passed, this bill would affect him. He said, “If it were not for the Pell and OCOG I wouldn’t have the opportunity that is now in my grasp.” He says that all students, no matter what school they go to, should be on a level playing field. He noted that they are all Ohio taxpayers and deserve a choice between a state university or community college and a career college.
Business Administration students Maria Zimbardi and Kathleen Harris also spoke at the rally about the difference National has made in their lives. They both stressed the importance of OCOG funding in their education.
Reporters from television stations WKBN and WYTV attended the rally and reported on this issue. The WKBN story can be read on their website. All Ohio National College students are encouraged to voice their opinion to their state representatives and senators. This can be done by visiting http://saveocog.org and click on “Tell Them What You Think.”
Student Paul McCartney’s daughter is pictured singing the National Anthem at the OCOG rally.
