New Program Launched to Connect Students to Manufacturing Careers

COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Battelle announced the official launch of the Manufacturing Pathways Pilot program to develop and expand innovative manufacturing career pathways in public schools across Ohio. With support from the Walton Family Foundation, 10 grants totaling $1.76 million were awarded to support industry-aligned educational programs that will prepare students in 21 Ohio districts for in-demand careers in Ohio's growing manufacturing sector.

The Manufacturing Pathways Pilot is a program of the Ohio STEM Learning Network, a public-private partnership between the Ohio Department of Education & Workforce and Battelle. This initiative is a strategic response to Ohio's manufacturing talent gap, where employers need over 30,000 technicians annually to meet workforce demands. With significant investments from companies such as Intel, Honda and LG Energy Solution, Ford, and SEMCORP reshaping Ohio's economy, Ohio needs increased workforce development efforts to connect students to these high-tech manufacturing careers. This program helps prepare students for high-demand careers in Ohio's growing manufacturing sector while reimagining the high school experience to give students access to real-world, hands-on learning that prepares them for life after graduation.

An 11^th grade student from Tri-State STEM+M in South Point, Ohio said, “I think this program is important for our school and the whole Appalachian region because it will help students see the opportunities for high paying jobs in manufacturing, which is a prominent industry in Ohio and West Virginia.” Another student reflected that he was most excited about “the idea of being on the cutting edge of a growing industry in the United States.”

These grants support the creation or expansion of Manufacturing or Engineering and Science Technologies pathway programs for high school students. Each program features cross-sector partnerships between K-12 schools, higher education institutions, and industry partners to ensure alignment with workforce needs. Lake Erie College in Painesville, Ohio is partnering with Berkshire schools to prepare students for careers in manufacturing, agriculture, and environmental systems.

Dr. Jonathan Tedesco, Dean of the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at Lake Erie College, shared his excitement about the partnership. “Education and career preparation go hand-in-hand, so we are always excited to support our regional partners in providing career pathways for students that will ultimately help elevate our communities and region while meeting the growing employment demands across our state.”

Staff from the funded programs will collaborate through a community of practice designed to provide space to share implementation strategies and solve challenges. Participating schools will receive technical assistance to support their efforts in marketing, partner engagement, and student recruitment. Battelle will track performance metrics including enrollment, credential attainment, and student persistence in manufacturing pathways to inform the creation of future pathway programs.

The grant period runs from March 2025 through July 30, 2026. Awards were granted to the following organizations:

• Allen County Educational Service Center, Allen County
• Berkshire Local School District, Geauga County
• Columbus City Schools, Franklin County
• Cincinnati Public Schools, Hamilton County
• Dayton Regional STEM School, Montgomery County
• Fredericktown Local School District, Knox County
• Greene County Career Center, Greene County
• Maysville Local Schools, Muskingum County
• Tri-State STEM School, Lawrence County
• Washington County Joint Vocational School District, Washington County

About the Ohio STEM Learning Network

The Ohio STEM Learning Network is committed to helping the State of Ohio inspire and train the next generation of innovative leaders. The network operates as a public-private partnership between the Ohio Department of Education & Workforce and Battelle.

About Battelle

Every day, the people of Battelle apply science and technology to solving what matters most. At major technology centers and national laboratories around the world, Battelle conducts research and development, designs and manufactures products, and delivers critical services for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio since its founding in 1929, Battelle serves the national security, health and life sciences, and energy and environmental industries. For more information, visit www.battelle.org.