ARC POWER Grant to fund GROW Appalachia Project
The Appalachian Regional Commission awarded The Appalachian Ohio Manufacturers' Coalition (AOMC) a $1,396,500 grant for the “GROW Appalachia” Project. U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown announced these investments through the Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative. The “GROW Appalachia” Project will begin in October 2023 and continue through October 2026. The project will provide approximately 225 workers/trainees and 175 students with specialized training to support existing businesses and the creation of new businesses and jobs.
The Appalachian Ohio Manufacturing Coalition Ohio (AOMC) is developing a Manufacturing Support Center (MSC) in Southeastern Ohio. This project aligns with ARC's goals to build Appalachian businesses strengths and diversify the region's economy through economic development strategies and investments in entrepreneurship and business development. The Manufacturing Support Center (MSC) is unique in that it allows industry and education to utilize advanced technology and advanced equipment (including subject matter experts and engineering technical assistance to help design and develop prototypes). Industry can produce parts from the Center on advanced equipment they may not be able to afford at this time, to remain competitive and reduce costs. The MSC offers interns the chance to work side-by-side with industry, learning from the experts, and assisting in design and development of new products and operational systems. MSC also offers students, teachers, and companies the opportunity to receive expert training in innovation design, entrepreneurialism with business plans/marketing, and supply chain optimization and logistics training to enhance business operations and export opportunities.
AOMC has is developing a strategic plan for the manufacturing-led incubator with a goal to provide a lab for companies to utilize advanced equipment (reducing their costs and creating a workforce pipeline), student internships, and provide an educational experience for K-12 and postsecondary students relevant, value-added programs that give them hands-on experiences. The goal of this project will be to expand the knowledge from previous programming and planning grants to create a youth-to-adult talent pipeline for the Ohio Valley region to create high-paying jobs with industry credentials. Project partners include Washington County Career Center, the National Museum of Education, Converge, and Team Consortium. The lab is currently working with five Ohio University interns and an energy product (lever) for water pressure that will reduce costs for the communities and provide more efficient water systems. Classes are offered to industry, teachers, and students to create prototypes to resolve production issues. The MSC also works with Job and Family Services and the Field of Hope (recovery treatment center that provides counseling, therapy, medical support, skills training and employment) through a recovery-to-work program.
Partnerships like Marshall University’s Advanced Manufacturing Center (formerly Robert C. Byrd Institute) will provide industry specialists/instructors through their train-the-trainer program, along with industry credentials (NIMS National Institute of Manufacturing Systems) and Ohio University will provide interns and curriculum. The Pennsylvania Tri-Teams Coalition shares best practices, resources, networking, and curriculum, providing career pathways, mentors, and sustainable employment opportunities.
