YSU to Receive IMAP Training Provider Award

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Youngstown State University is one of 14 training providers in the state slated to receive a portion of $2.93 million in Individual Microcredential Assistance Program awards.

The IMAP awards support the organizations that provide training for 2,336 credentials, according to a release from the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation. The selected training providers, which include four-year universities, career centers, and private businesses, will be reimbursed up to $3,000 for each completed technology-focused credential issued.

“IMAP gives individuals the opportunity to earn in-demand, technology skills so they can get higher-paying jobs in a very short amount of time,” Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, director of the department, said in the release. “Ohio businesses across all industries need to compete in today’s economy, and this program provides them a pipeline of ready-to-go talent.”

This is the second round of the initiative, which helps Ohioans who are low income, partially unemployed, or totally unemployed participate in a training program and receive one or more technology-focused credential(s) for free. The first round awarded just under $2.22 million to 11 training providers in September 2020.Individuals interested in earning a credential or learning more about the program can visit the recently updated IMAP website at: Workforce.Ohio.gov/IMAP.

Credential pathways that align with specific job opportunities will be available, including IT Support Specialist, IT Security Associate, IT Networks Specialist, Data Analyst, Web Developer, UX/UI Designer, Robotic Technician, Digital Marketing Specialist, Cloud Engineer and more, according to the release. Training will be offered in-person and online.

“Ohio is on the move, and we need more people skilled in high-tech jobs to keep the momentum going,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development. “These credentials will mean better jobs and more pay for workers.”

In addition to YSU, awarded training providers include Global Lynx Inc., MAX Technical Training Inc., Miami University, My Career IT LLC, National Center for Urban Solutions, Ohio University, Portage Lakes Career Center, Scioto County Career Technical Center, Shawnee State University, South-Western City School District, Strategic Leadership Solutions LLC, University of Cincinnati and We Can Code IT LLC.

Individuals interested in earning a credential or learning more about the program can visit the recently updated IMAP website at Workforce.Ohio.gov/IMAP.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.