A series of projects that support the bold, collaborative efforts that strengthen the connection between education and employment by investing in new strategies, partnerships, and models designed to meet evolving labor market needs, expand opportunity for learners, and help employers build the talent pipeline they need to thrive
Ohio Semiconductor Collaboration Network
Created in 2022, the OSCN is a statewide collaborative focused on building and sustaining a strong semiconductor and advanced manufacturing technician pipeline by aligning credentialing and program outcomes, scaling best practice and leveraging partnerships.
Funder: Intel
Goals:
- Curriculum development
- Professional development
- Experiential learning
Partners: Columbus State Community College (project lead), Intel, Ohio Manufacturing Association, JobsOhio, Ohio TechNet
Timeline: FY23 – FY26
How Colleges Can Engage:
- Mini-grants and student scholarships
- Participate in OSCN Community of Practice
Participate in networking and professional development opportunities
Northshore Manufacturing Workforce Partnership Project
The Northshore Manufacturing Workforce Partnership focuses on increasing enrollment in and completion of in-demand engineering technician career programs. It emphasizes hands-on, work-based learning and will create processes that can be replicated across Ohio. The program is led by the Ohio TechNet (OTN) leadership team at Lorain County Community College, working with industry partners and community colleges along the Erie shore.
Funder: US Department of Labor
Goals:
- Scale on-the-job/earn-and-learn opportunities by testing ways to increase new models for how educators and industry sector partnerships work together to launch, grow and sustain these models.
- Align programs to industry demand and facilitate employer engagement and student support.
- Scale credit for prior learning and work experience in manufacturing technician-certificate and associate degree pathways, informed by the Ohio Manufacturing Competency Model.
Partners: Lorain County Community College (lead), Cuyahoga Community College, North Central State College, Owens Community College, Terra State Community College
Timeline: FY26 – FY29
How Colleges Can Engage:
- OACC plans to share the model as it develops
- Reach out to Crystal Jones (cjones@ohiocc.org) to learn more
Credential Engine
Credential Engine is a national nonprofit working to increase credential transparency and promote accessible career pathways across the country. This initiative aims to empower learners, workers, and policymakers to make informed decisions by accessing the Credential Engine registry.
Funder: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Goals:
- Credential enrichment
- Marketing and use case development
Partners: Ohio Department of Higher Education, Credential Engine, All Ohio Community Colleges
Timeline: FY25 – FY26
How Colleges Can Engage:
- Completing data enrichment project (colleges can request $1,000 stipend upon completion)
- Work with us to implement statewide and regional marketing campaigns