Hiram College Gets $665K for Workforce Development, Community Engagement Office

HIRAM, Ohio – Hiram College will receive $665,000 for a new Office of Workforce Development and Community Engagement to be housed on the college’s campus.

The funds were included in the $1.7 trillion government spending bill passed by Congress and signed by President Joe Biden in December.

The Office of Workforce Development and Community Engagement will coordinate the college’s existing efforts in both workforce development and community engagement, as well as enable new initiatives in career development, workforce pipelines, entrepreneurship, mentoring, corporate education and community engagement.  

“This new office will advance both student and institutional engagement in the community, providing valuable life and work skills for students while advancing the regional economy,” said David Haney, president of Hiram College. “I am grateful for the support for this initiative shown by area workforce development organizations, industries and our political leadership on both sides of the aisle.” 

The office will also engage in new initiatives, including direct communication with industry partners about emerging needs for workforce credentials that Hiram can supply, expanded professional mentorships and engagement of students in community service and community engagement activities that will help to develop 21st-century workforce and citizenship skills.  

“I was pleased to see funding finally enacted for Hiram’s Office of Workforce Development and Community Engagement,” said U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce, R-14th. “I expect that this office will connect talented labor with the employers in northeast Ohio who are struggling to find workers. Initiatives such as this will both empower aspiring professionals and help our region’s local businesses thrive.” 

The funding will support the renovation of space on campus to serve as the home of the new office, as well as initial staffing, network, hardware and software upgrades and other operating costs.  

“Hiram College is one of our great institutions of higher education,” said Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio. “This investment in a new Office of Workforce Development and Community Engagement will help connect students with internships, jobs and community service opportunities to further their professional development and support the Hiram community.” 

Hiram College is accepting applications for executive director of Workforce Development and Community Engagement. More information on the position and application process can be found HERE.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.