Bitdeer Announces $125,000 in Scholarships and Project Funding for Stark State College to Support Local Workforce Development

Bitdeer Technologies Group, a world-leading technology company for artificial intelligence (AI) compute and Bitcoin mining infrastructure which operates a facility in Massillon, has committed $125,000 in philanthropic support to enable more Stark State College students to train for in-demand technician jobs. The gift includes the establishment of the Bitdeer Technologies Group Scholarship Endowment as well as the Bitdeer Technologies Group Project Fund to help the College meet local workforce needs.

Through this endowment, Bitdeer will award, in perpetuity, annual scholarships to qualifying students in advanced manufacturing and information technology programs. These include studies in electrical maintenance technology, automation and robotics technology, and AI and machine learning. In addition, Bitdeer established the project fund to enhance the student experience in engineering, industrial and information technology curriculums.

To recognize Bitdeer’s contribution, Stark State College will name a classroom in its W.R. Timken Center for Technology the Bitdeer Connectivity & Compute Lab, giving students a dedicated space for hands-on training in emerging technologies that power modern industry. Bitdeer’s Massillon facility currently employs more than 55 people from the local area, including advanced manufacturing technicians.

“Bitdeer is proud to be in Stark County, and we want to be the kind of neighbor who supports our community on its own terms,” said Jon Wonsettler, Bitdeer’s Massillon site manager. “Stark State understands what local students and employers need, so we’re excited about encouraging talent and nurturing career pathways that will be relevant in powering Ohio’s next generation of economic development.”

“We’re grateful for Bitdeer’s investment in our College, our students and the workforce Stark County will rely on for years to come,” said Lindsey Loftus, vice president of advancement at Stark State. “For many of our students, finishing a program can come down to a few hundred dollars. Because this is an endowment, Bitdeer’s support will close that gap for students every year, so they can train for in-demand jobs and enter the workforce faster.”

Bitdeer’s support builds on other recent funding the College has received to train more technicians and prepare them for today’s advanced manufacturing jobs. Manufacturing is Ohio’s largest economic sector, and new and large-scale investments in advanced manufacturing are fueling demand for more skilled workers. However, the state faces a critical technician shortage, a persistent skills gap and an aging workforce. At the same time, technology is evolving rapidly. AI-driven automation is transforming advanced manufacturing, creating a need for technicians with new and increasingly sophisticated skills.

About Stark State College

Stark State College is a student-centered, comprehensive community college with cutting-edge career programs that reflect ever-evolving marketplace demands. With locations in Stark and Summit counties, the College serves more than 13,000 students annually and is the fifth largest of the 22 public two-year colleges in the University System of Ohio. Stark State offers more than 200 associate degree, bachelor’s degree, certificate and credential programs in business, education, engineering technologies, health and public services, information technology, liberal arts, mathematics and sciences. Visit starkstate.edu to learn more.

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