Funding supports collaboration between businesses, education and training providers

Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted, Director of the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation, announced yesterday the fifth round of the Industry Sector Partnership (ISP) Grant opportunity. The program funds partnerships that help prepare Ohioans for the workforce while meeting the needs of job creators and local economies.

A new application period opened with $5 million available for new and existing industry sector partnerships, as funded through the current state operating budget. ISPs can be located in any region of Ohio, as long as the focus is on an in-demand sector, such as manufacturing or technology.

“Industry Sector Partnerships bring together educators and businesses, helping address the local workforce needs across Ohio,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “These partnerships give everyone a seat at the table and require collaboration between the public and private sectors. We continue to see success in these investments, helping prepare more students and job seekers for in-demand careers across the state.”

Industry sector partnerships are designed to develop workforce strategies specific to a given region of the state or industry sector to drive collaboration between local businesses, education and training providers, and community stakeholders. ISPs create and implement workforce strategies that enhance economic growth in all corners of the state.

“Through the Industry Sector Partnership program, we’re building a dynamic, sustainable workforce,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development. “This latest investment will further benefit job creators and help ensure that Ohioans have the skills they need to work in the in-demand jobs and industries that make our state a fertile ground for businesses looking to expand or relocate here.”

The fourth round of the Industry Sector Partnership Grant program awarded 26 partnerships a total of $5 million. Since the start of the program, a total of $12.5 million has been awarded to 41 unique partnerships. These partnerships have supported industries including manufacturing, information technology, healthcare, construction, and more. 

The application period for the fifth round opened October 1, 2024 and closes October 31, 2024, at 3:00 PM.

To apply and learn more about the Industry Sector Partnership Grant, visit Workforce.Ohio.gov/ISP.