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Central State University and other area colleges secure thousands as Ohio invests in advancing higher ed tech programs

Clark State College students working on STEM. Soon, these students may have the opportunity to work at Infinity Labs with the new memorandum of agreement the defense technology firm and college entered.
Clark State College
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Clark State College
Clark State College students working on STEM.

Ohio legislators are making a $40 million investment into state universities, community colleges and career centers.

The allotment of funds will fuel the state’s Super RAPIDS grants. Eighty-one higher ed institutions will use the money to enhance their advanced technology-driven programs.

Governor Mike DeWine said this investment is vital as companies, like Intel, bring new jobs to Ohio.

“We have to invest in our kids, we have to invest in our adults,” DeWine said. “$40 million dollars will give the equipment to really learn and stay up to speed so they can move right into the private sector.”

Lt. Gov. John Husted says students will get better machines to train on.

“It’s the most modern equipment money can buy being put in our colleges, universities and career centers to help people get the skills for everything coming our way,” Husted explained.

Students will be trained for advanced manufacturing, IT, cybersecurity, broadband/5G, healthcare, and robotics.

Intel’s Kevin Hoggatt said this investment gives his company confidence Ohioans will be ready to fill new job openings.

“Intel’s investing $20 million to build two leading edge semiconductor chip manufacturing facilities here in Ohio. That first phase will require 3,000 employees to operate,” Hoggatt said.

List of schools in our area receiving a portion of the $40 million grant:

  • Central State $719,000
  • Clark State University $720,000
  • Wright State University (Dayton & Lake campuses) $1,443,000
  • Sinclair Community College $718,500
  • Edison State Community College $719,500
  • Greene County Career Center $277,500
  • Upper Valley Career Center $277,500
Kathryn Mobley is an award-winning broadcast journalist, crafting stories for more than 30 years. She’s reported and produced for TV, NPR affiliate and for the web. Mobley also contributes to several area community groups. She sings tenor with World House Choir (Yellow Springs), she’s a board member of the Beavercreek Community Theatre and volunteers with two community television operations, DATV (Dayton) and MVCC (Centerville).

Email: kmobley@wyso.org
Cell phone: (937) 952-9924