11/02/2023

Husted Announces Launch of IMAP Grant Opportunity Now Available to All Ohioans

The IMAP grant application is now open

Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted, who serves as the director of the Governor's Office of Workforce Transformation, recently announced that the application for the Individual Microcredential Assistance Program (IMAP) is open now and through the end of the month.

With this announcement, individual eligibility has been expanded, opening the program to all Ohioans. Previously, the program was exclusively for Ohioans who are low-income, partially unemployed, or totally unemployed, but now all Ohioans have an opportunity to participate in a training program and receive one or more tech-focused credential(s) at no cost to them.

"As more and more businesses move to or expand in our state, we must continue to create opportunities for Ohioans to earn the skills they need and growing and improving programs like IMAP help us do that," said Husted. "I look forward to seeing how the expansion of the program will positively impact our workforce and Ohioans as they earn the skills businesses need for free through IMAP."

The grant is currently open for training providers, which include two-year and four-year colleges and universities, career centers and private training providers, who, once awarded, will be reimbursed up to $3,000 for each completed technology-focused credential issued.

"Individuals from all walks of life are now able to access training programs, equipping them with high-demand tech credentials and paving the way for better jobs," said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development. "This program lays the foundation for economic growth in the state and a more competitive and resilient workforce."

"Ohio is proud to take an all-of-the-above approach to educating our citizens for a successful future," said Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor Randy Gardner. "That means we work together to provide more opportunities for success. This new IMAP application and expanded eligibility is one more example of that."

The application period for training providers opened Nov. 1, 2023, and it runs through 3:00 p.m. on Nov. 30, 2023.

Training providers interested in applying can visit Workforce.Ohio.gov/IMAP.