COLUMBUS, Ohio—Battelle has launched the Manufacturing Pathways Pilot program to develop and expand innovative manufacturing career pathways in public schools across Ohio. Funded by the Walton Family Foundation, the program awarded 10 grants totaling $1.76 million to support industry-aligned educational initiatives in 21 Ohio districts. These grants aim to address the significant manufacturing talent gap in Ohio, where over 30,000 technicians are needed annually due to robust growth in the sector spurred by investments from companies like Intel, Honda, and LG Energy Solution. Key Components and Partnerships The Manufacturing Pathways Pilot is an initiative of the Ohio STEM Learning Network, a collaboration between the Ohio Department of Education & Workforce and Battelle. Each grant supports the creation or expansion of Manufacturing, Engineering, and Science Technologies pathway programs in high schools, fostering cross-sector partnerships among K-12 schools, higher education institutions, and industry partners. These collaborations ensure that curricula align with current and future workforce demands, offering students hands-on, real-world experiences. One such partnership involves Lake Erie College in Painesville, Ohio, working with the 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, highlighted the importance of these collaborations: "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." Student Perspectives Students from participating schools are enthusiastic about the opportunities presented by the program. A 11th-grade student from Tri-State STEM+M in South Point noted the potential for high-paying jobs in manufacturing, particularly beneficial for the Appalachian region. Another student expressed excitement about being part of a burgeoning U.S. industry, emphasizing the program’s role in preparing them for cutting-edge careers. Implementation and Support To ensure successful implementation, staff from the funded programs will participate in a community of practice, sharing strategies and tackling common challenges. Additionally, they will receive technical assistance in areas such as marketing, partner engagement, and student recruitment. Battelle will monitor performance metrics, including enrollment, credential attainment, and student retention in manufacturing pathways, to refine and enhance future programs. Funded Organizations The grants were distributed 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) Timeline and Scope The grant period extends from March 2025 through July 30, 2026. This timeframe allows for comprehensive planning, execution, and evaluation of the programs, ensuring they meet both educational and industry standards. Broader Impact and Future Prospects The Manufacturing Pathways Pilot program is a crucial step in addressing the manufacturing talent gap in Ohio and preparing students for lucrative and in-demand careers. By integrating practical skills and industry insights into the high school curriculum, the program aims to create a pipeline of skilled workers ready to contribute to the state’s economic growth. Industry insiders have praised the initiative for its forward-thinking approach. According to a consultant from the Ohio Department of Education & Workforce, "This program is a model for how education can adapt to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving job market. It bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, ensuring that students are not just educated but also equipped with the skills and credentials needed to succeed in manufacturing." About the Ohio STEM Learning Network The Ohio STEM Learning Network is dedicated to inspiring and training the next generation of innovative leaders in Ohio. Operating as a public-private partnership, it brings together the Ohio Department of Education & Workforce and Battelle to develop and implement advanced STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs. About Battelle Battelle is a leading applied science and technology organization headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. Founded in 1929, Battelle conducts research and development, designs and manufactures products, and delivers critical services across various sectors, including national security, health and life sciences, and energy and environmental industries. For more information, visit www.battelle.org.