COLUMBUS, Ohio (AVC News) — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has announced $3.2 million in state funding to expand manufacturing career-technical education programs, creating approximately 300 new student seats across the state.
The funding, awarded through the Career-Technical Education Access Grant, will provide 10 Career Technical Planning Districts and Ohio Technical Centers with $320,000 each to establish new manufacturing programs in communities that currently lack those opportunities.
Among the local recipients are Buckeye Career Center in Tuscarawas County and Switzerland Local School District in Monroe County.
The announcement comes shortly after CNBC ranked Ohio as America’s No. 1 State for Business in 2026, as state leaders continue investing in workforce development to meet growing demand from manufacturers.
“Ohio continues to attract businesses that are creating new jobs and investing in our communities – particularly in the manufacturing industry,” DeWine said. “We have a responsibility to ensure that our students are prepared to take advantage of those opportunities.”
Lt. Governor Jim Tressel said the grants will help connect students with hands-on learning experiences and local employers.
Through a partnership between the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce and the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association, grant recipients will develop employer-designed manufacturing programs that include paid work-based learning opportunities, career coaching and industry-focused training.
Grant funding can be used to hire instructors, purchase manufacturing equipment, develop curriculum, recruit students, establish paid internships and help remove barriers to participation, including transportation assistance.
“We want to be certain that Ohio students are ready for every opportunity presented to them and, with the demand for manufacturing jobs growing, it’s imperative for our schools to have the programs required for these careers,” said Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen D. Dackin.
Schools will spend the 2026-27 school year planning and developing the new programs, with students expected to begin enrolling for the 2027-28 school year.
The Career-Technical Education Access Grant builds on previous state investments in career-tech education, including $300 million for equipment and facility improvements that have created more than 10,000 new career-tech seats across Ohio.
