12/18/2023

DeWine Announces Super RAPIDS Grant Recipients

The state awarded the recipients $40 million

Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted announced on Dec. 15, 2023 that $40 million was awarded to 81 higher education institutions across Ohio through Super RAPIDS grants. The program was included in the state operating budget to support collaborative projects among qualifying institutions to strengthen education and training opportunities that maximize workforce development efforts through a one-time funding boost to the traditional RAPIDS program.

"We have thousands of jobs coming to Ohio, and it's vital that our workforce is prepared and ready to fill them," said DeWine. "This funding provides an opportunity for our students to learn the skills they will need in their future career on the equipment Ohio's businesses use."

"To continue Ohio's economic momentum, our students must be trained and ready for jobs in technology, advanced manufacturing and other high-skill industries," said Husted. "We championed Super RAPIDS in the state budget to ensure that training providers have the right kind of resources and equipment available to educate the next generation of Ohio's workforce."

The entirety of the $40 million available through this application period will be awarded to help schools upgrade their lab and classroom space with new, modern equipment. As a comparison, through six rounds of the traditional RAPIDS program, a total of $47.3 million has been awarded.

To view the institutions that received awards, please select this link.

"The RAPIDS program has been a win-win for Ohio's campuses and regional employers since its inception," said Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor Randy Gardner. "This investment will continue that success by meeting the most urgent workforce needs, ensuring students are prepared for the future."

RAPIDS grants are used to purchase equipment for use in classrooms specific to regional workforce needs. These classrooms are often shared among colleges and universities, expanding the reach of the equipment and allowing more students to get an affordable, high-quality education. Examples of industries served through the program include advanced manufacturing, IT and cybersecurity, broadband/5G, healthcare and robotics.

To learn more about the program, visit you can select this link.