Application Period Open for Super RAPIDS Grant Program
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The application period for the Super RAPIDS grant program is now open.
Super RAPIDS (Regionally Aligned Priorities in Delivering Skills) focuses on providing technical centers, community colleges and universities in Ohio with equipment to prepare students for the workforce, helping to meet the needs of regional businesses.
“To continue Ohio’s momentum, students must be trained and ready for jobs in tech and advanced manufacturing,” Gov. Mike DeWine said. “We championed Super RAPIDS in the state budget to ensure that training providers have the right kind of resources and equipment needed to educate the next generation for the jobs of the future.”
The state budget provides $100 million through Super RAPIDS initiatives. The program will help address workforce development needs and provides a one-time funding boost to the traditional RAPIDS program.
For this grant opportunity, $40 million is available through a competitive RFP process. As a comparison, through six rounds of the traditional RAPIDS program, a total of $47.3 million has been awarded.
“As we prepare for computer chip and advanced manufacturing supply chain jobs, it’s crucial to support and create new lab and manufacturing technology spaces for educating graduates with the most advanced skills through higher education,” Lt. Gov. Jon Husted said. “This program helps Ohio technical centers, community colleges and universities purchase the latest equipment to educate more students on the most up-to-date technology needed for the 21st century economy.”
RAPIDS grants are used to purchase equipment for use in classrooms specific to regional workforce needs. Examples of industries served through the program include advanced manufacturing, IT and cybersecurity, broadband/5G, health care and robotics.
“Super RAPIDS provides campuses with an enhanced opportunity to prepare their students for high-demand jobs,” said Randy Gardner, Ohio Department of Higher Education chancellor. “I encourage colleges and technical centers to take advantage of this funding boost and strive to make even greater contributions to Ohio’s skilled workforce.”
The application period for Super RAPIDS will end at 5 p.m. Oct. 5. For more information or to apply, click HERE.
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
