$2.2M Air Force Contract Will Help YSU Develop Engineers

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – A $2.2 million Air Force research contract will help Youngstown State University establish programs that will train engineers for cutting edge technologies.

Through the Microelectronics Workforce Development Program, six Ohio colleges will establish degree paths for digital system development and computer engineering. 

Graduates of the programs will work with companies like Battelle, Northrup Grumman and General Motors, as well as with federal partners like NASA Glenn Research  Center and the Air Force Research Laboratory.

“For years we were forced to watch our friends and family have to move out of our community to find work. Since Day One when I came to Congress, my goal has been to build opportunities for our young people to succeed right here at home,” said U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan in announcing the funding. “This program will not only give our young people the tools they need to succeed, but it will put our community and the State of Ohio at the cutting edge of the technology and innovation that will lead the jobs of the future.”

Also receiving funding are the University of Akron, Wright State University, University of Toledo, Ohio University and Lorain County Community College. The contracts are funded by the Fiscal Year 2020 Defense Appropriations Bill.

The goals of the Microelectronics Workforce Development Program include establishing a statewide undergraduate degree pathway, building regional and statewide partnership to develop enrollment and deployment, outreach and recruitment programs and partnering with industry and researchers to ensure the program meets workforce needs.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.