Announcing $3.2 million in grants to expand access to career technical manufacturing programs
5/12/2026
Request for applications open June 1-12
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jim Tressel, and Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen D. Dackin have announced the availability of $3.2 million in grant funding to help more Ohio schools create, expand, or improve career technical education programs in manufacturing. The request for applications opens June 1.
The Career Technical Education Access Grant is being offered through a partnership between the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce and the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA). The grants will help schools develop programs that teach students the skills needed for modern manufacturing careers – including hands-on training with industry equipment and instruction aligned with the needs of employers.
Eligible applicants include lead districts in Career Technical Planning Districts applying to offer new satellite programs in local school districts, community schools, or STEM schools where manufacturing programs do not currently exist, as well as Ohio Technical Centers.
The Department plans to fund at least 10 projects across the state, awarding up to $320,000 per project. Grant funding may be used to support a variety of program needs, including:
- Hiring licensed manufacturing instructors
- Purchasing machinery, tools, and classroom equipment
- Developing curriculum and instructional materials aligned with industry needs
- Recruiting students into new or expanded programs
- Building partnerships with local manufacturers for job-shadowing, internships, and work-based learning
Programs funded through the grant will incorporate OMA’s WorkAdvance model, which provides manufacturing trainees across Ohio a step-by-step support system that combines classroom learning, hands-on technical training, employer partnerships, and other support services to help them stay on track and succeed.
The grant provides successful applicants an aggressive two-year timeframe to build and launch their programs. During the 2026-2027 school year, schools will focus on planning and development, including hiring instructors, purchasing equipment, and building partnerships with local employers. Programs will launch by the start of the 2027-2028 school year.
OMA and the Department have worked closely to ensure the new training programs that will be supported by this grant funding will reflect the skills that employers need most. The approach aims to connect education and industry partners to help learners prepare for entry-level manufacturing jobs and future career growth.
More information about the grant opportunity, including application requirements and deadlines, is available on the Department's website.