COLUMBUS — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted announced the opening of the second application period for the Career Technical Education Equipment Grant Program.

This funding helps schools purchase up-to-date equipment so they can better prepare students to be career-ready upon graduation.

“With more and more companies coming to or expanding their operations into Ohio, we need to make sure our workforce has the latest skills and the most up-to-date training equipment,” DeWine said. “This investment into Ohio schools is an investment in Ohio’s future.”

“The best way we can prepare our students for their future career in Ohio is to train them on the equipment companies are actually using,” Husted added. “This is a great opportunity for schools to have access to high-tech equipment that will prepare thousands of more students for in-demand careers here in Ohio.”

Awarded schools will use the funding to upgrade their equipment in an effort to teach students the skills needed by Ohio businesses. Equipment that can be purchased includes machinery, software, classroom supplies, operational costs, curriculum, materials for instruction, and more.

Announced in March, the first application period awarded 56 schools grants totaling more than $67.7 million to expand career technical education access to an additional 10,345 students per year.

“Showing students what’s possible means having the facilities, equipment, and resources to give them experiences with an array of skillsets and innovative learning environments,” said Stephen D. Dackin, director of the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. “I encourage schools to apply for these grants to build and strengthen the career-tech opportunities available for students and create new possibilities for their future.”

Funding for the Career Technical Education Equipment Grant Program was included in the 2024-2025 state operating budget in addition to $200 million for the Career Technical Construction Program. Announced by Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted in November of 2023, 35 schools received awards to update or expand their career tech facilities.

The application for the Career Technical Education Equipment Grant Program opened May 16 and will close at 5 p.m. June 28. Learn more and apply today at Workforce.Ohio.gov/CTEEquipment.