Adam RollinsThe state of Ohio has awarded a total of $200 million to 35 Ohio schools to upgrade and expand their technical education capabilities. Additionally, the state announced a funding opportunity for technical-education schools to upgrade infrastructure and purchase machinery, software, classroom supplies and more.
Polaris Career Center in Cuyahoga County was awarded $11.1 million to build a 20,000 square-foot manufacturing center that will feature three state-of-the-art labs and classroom spaces. That boost will support three new in-demand programs: robotics, automation and engineering technology.
Mahoning County Career and Technical Center will get a $11.4 million bump to support AI systems/software engineering, cybersecurity, robotics, and engineering programs.
Additionally, Four County Career Center in Defiance County will receive $14.7 million to support welding fabrication and Electrical Systems programs. Another $12.7 million will go toward supporting the Upper Valley Career Center in Miami County, in support of health sciences, sports medicine and construction, which includes electrical, HVAC and maintenance.
Meanwhile, schools have until Dec. 15 to apply for the Career Technical Education Equipment Grant Program. The program will award up to $2.5 million to Ohio schools who plan to offer a qualifying CTE program that supports one of the 15 vocational categories on the state’s Top Jobs List or a qualifying credential program from the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation Innovative Workforce Incentive Program.
Preference will be given to schools who propose programs in priority industry areas, such as advanced manufacturing and telecommunications.
