State awards $700K for advanced manufacturing education

The Ohio Department of Higher Education has announced that Youngstown State University has won more than $700,000 in funding to purchase equipment for advanced manufacturing education.

Through partnerships with area businesses and higher education stakeholders, YSU was able to secure funding in the amount of $716,699 from the ODHE’s Regionally Aligned Priorities in Delivering Skills program.

YSU, through collaboration with the Columbiana Career Center, will enhance manufacturing resources to support area workforce development public-private partnerships. Local business partners said the funding will help prepare students for in-demand jobs in the region.

“Dearing Compressor relies heavily on YSU graduates and local talent for its workforce, and we support YSU’s efforts in the acquisition of equipment that helps to sustain our industry’s technology needs,” said Joel Hodge, engineering coordinator for Dearing.

“CT scanning is one of the most advanced technologies for non-destructive testing of assembled components, or to verify the integrity of complex fabricated parts. Students who have trained with this inspection technology will be valuable in preparing us to meet the increasingly complex nondestructive evaluation requirements of our industry.”

ODHE Chancellor John Carey said the RAPIDS program has helped different regions in Ohio address their most pressing workforce needs while preparing traditional and nontraditional students for successful careers.

“When our schools collaborate to secure funding through the RAPIDS program, it gives students more opportunities to succeed while strengthening regional businesses and Ohio’s economy,” Carey said.