Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jim Tressel, and Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW) Director Stephen D. Dackin announced $3.2 million in Career-Technical Education Access Grants, which will establish 300 new seats for students in manufacturing programs across the state. Ten Career Technical Planning Districts and Ohio Technical Centers will each receive $320,000 to create these new opportunities in communities currently lacking access.
This investment follows CNBC naming Ohio as America's No. 1 State for Business in 2026, reflecting the administration's commitment to preparing students for high-demand jobs. Governor DeWine said, "Ohio continues to attract businesses that are creating new jobs and investing in our communities – particularly in the manufacturing industry. We have a responsibility to ensure that our students are prepared to take advantage of those opportunities."
Lt. Governor Tressel emphasized the widespread opportunities, stating, "As more employers create jobs across our state, we have to make sure that every student has the chance to prepare for them." The grants will facilitate programs designed in partnership with local employers, utilizing the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA)’s WorkAdvance Model. This model ensures curriculum aligns with industry needs, offering paid work-based learning, career coaching, and hands-on training.
Funding will support instructional staff, equipment, curriculum development, student outreach, and initiatives to remove participation barriers like transportation assistance. Director Dackin noted, "Giving our students the tools to be successful means unlocking gifts they may not know they possess." OMA President Ryan Augsburger added that these grants will "help schools build programs around the skills employers actually need and give more students a direct path to good-paying manufacturing careers."
Programs will undergo planning and development during the 2026-2027 school year and begin serving students by the start of the 2027-2028 school year. These grants build on previous state investments, including $300 million through the Career-Technical Equipment Grant and Career-Technical Education Construction Grant programs, which created 10,000 new career-tech seats.