Innovative Workforce Incentive Program

Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted partnered with the General Assembly to create the Innovative Workforce Incentive Program, which is supported by a $16 million investment in each of the next two fiscal years. The program seeks to increase the number of high school students who earn industry-recognized credentials in priority industry sectors. It offers schools additional dollars when students earn eligible credentials and implementation dollars to aid in establishing these programs.

Incentive Payments

The state appropriations bill includes $16 million in both Fiscal Year 2026 and Fiscal Year 2027 to incentivize school districts to implement the Innovative Workforce Incentive Program. School districts will receive $725 for each qualifying credential earned by students. If the amount appropriated is not sufficient, the Department shall prorate the amounts so the aggregate amount appropriated is not exceeded.

To receive incentive payments, districts must report students as earning qualifying industry-recognized credentials to the Ohio Department of Education. Find more information on reporting here (visit sections 2.8 - Student Assessment Record and 2.8.1 - Assessment Area Codes). 

Qualifying Industry-Recognized Credentials

Qualifying industry-recognized credentials for the 2025-2026 school year:

• All Career Fields
• Advanced Manufacturing
• Information Technology
• Engineering and Construction
• Critical Jobs
• Apprenticeship and Journeyman

Benefits of Earning Industry-Recognized Credentials

Industry-recognized credentials are an important way of ensuring high school inspires students to identify paths to future success and gives students multiple ways to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and dispositions necessary for graduation and beyond.

Additional Resources

• Innovative Workforce Incentive Program – Frequently Asked Questions
• For additional questions about the Innovative Workforce Incentive Program, including feedback on approved industry-recognized credentials, contact industrycredentials@education.ohio.gov
• More information on high school industry-recognized credentials. 
• Ohio's Innovative Workforce Incentive Program (video)

Last Modified: 10/24/2025 8:08:05 AM

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