Changes to certain industry-recognized credential reimbursements and incentives

8/20/2025

For this school year, $16 million was appropriated exclusively for Innovative Workforce Incentive Program (IWIP) incentive payments, which is now incentivized at $725 per credential earned from the IWIP-approved list. This shift reflects the state’s strategic focus on high-demand, high-value credentials that support workforce development and readiness in sectors such as IT, advanced manufacturing, and skilled trades.

House Bill 96 established Ohio’s state operating appropriations for Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027. In response to several years of prorated reimbursements and incentive payments, and to better prioritize credentials aligned with IWIP, the bill eliminates funding for standard credential reimbursements beginning in Fiscal Year 2026 for credentials earned during the 2024–2025 school year.

Direct questions to the Industry-Recognized Credentials team.