The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) is helping bring more manufacturing career pathways into Ohio schools through a new $3.2 million Career Technical Education Access Grant announced by Gov. Mike DeWine, Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel and Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Director (ODEW) Stephen Dackin.

The grant will help schools create, expand or improve manufacturing programs by supporting equipment purchases, instructor hiring, curriculum development and employer partnerships. ODEW plans to fund at least 10 projects, with awards of up to $320,000 each. Each program will incorporate OMA’s WorkAdvance model, connecting classroom learning, hands-on technical training, employer engagement and support services that help students stay on track and succeed.

“Ohio’s manufacturers need talent pipelines that are built around real employer demand,” said OMA President Ryan Augsburger. “This effort strengthens the bridge between education and industry while advancing the goals of Ohio’s Manufacturing Workforce Blueprint.”

Programs are expected to launch by the 2027-28 school year. 5/7/2026