(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jim Tressel, and Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) Chancellor Mike Duffey today announced the approval of $8 million in funding for the latest round of ODHE’s Regionally Aligned Priorities in Delivering Skills (RAPIDS) grants.
The RAPIDS program funds Ohio public universities, community colleges, and career technical centers to purchase state-of-the-art equipment for students to use in education and training programs tailored to regional workforce needs.
“Our RAPIDS grants offer a unique opportunity for Ohio’s campuses and career technical centers to help address specific workforce needs at the local level,” said Governor DeWine. “On an individual level, these grants give our students a tremendous opportunity to learn and refine their skills on the same top-of-the-line equipment being used by cutting-edge businesses across Ohio.”
Equipment purchased by grantees is often shared among multiple campuses, allowing more students to get a quality education more affordably.
“Making sure we’re preparing our workforce of tomorrow to fill all of the incredible job opportunities in Ohio is a team effort,” said Lt. Governor Tressel. “By investing in this state-of-the-art equipment so more students can access it, and by considering regional workforce needs, this program will position more of our kids to be career-ready the moment they graduate.”
“The RAPIDS program has been a great example of businesses and our higher education institutions working together to develop strategic plans for using these funds,” Chancellor Duffey said. “These awards prepare students for success in the workforce, and that pipeline of skilled workers further strengthens Ohio’s economy.”
Marion Technical College is expected to receive $100,000, while Tri-Rivers Career Center is expected to receive $35,000 from the grant.
Governor DeWine, Chancellor Duffey, and the Ohio General Assembly targeted $8 million in the 2024-2025 state operating budget to assist Ohio’s public universities, community colleges, and career technical centers in offering the most up-to-date education possible to provide a skilled workforce for in-demand jobs. Following the recent approval of the state Controlling Board, RAPIDS grant funding will be awarded to nearly 100 colleges, universities, and career technical centers across the state.