Stark State College has been awarded a $2.35 million National Science Foundation grant to lead a statewide effort aimed at preparing more Ohioans for careers in advanced manufacturing.
The initiative, known as the Ohio Scale-M Consortium, will bring together community colleges and industry partners to modernize engineering and manufacturing education in areas like automation, artificial intelligence and microelectronics.
College leaders say the investment comes at a critical time. Ohio’s manufacturing industry is facing a shortage of skilled technicians, an aging workforce and rapidly changing technology that requires new skills.
“By working with partners across Ohio, we are strengthening the connection between education and industry, expanding opportunities for students and helping build the workforce Ohio manufacturers need to compete and grow,” Stark State President Dr. Para Jones said in a news release.
The four-year project will begin with Stark State, Lorain County Community College and Owens Community College before expanding to six additional colleges across the state.
The consortium will focus on updating manufacturing programs, providing faculty training in artificial intelligence, increasing work-based learning opportunities and introducing more K-12 students to manufacturing careers.
Manufacturing remains Ohio’s largest economic sector, and officials say the grant will help address the growing demand for workers as companies continue investing in advanced manufacturing throughout the state.
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