Lt. Gov. Jon Husted announced, “Terra State Community College in Fremont purchased brand-new advanced manufacturing equipment!” in a January 14 post on X, highlighting the impact of the Super RAPIDS program in aiding Ohio’s educational institutions to access cutting-edge resources for workforce development.
“Created in 2024 by Jon Husted’s Ohio Office of Workforce Transformation, Super RAPIDS helps Ohio’s colleges and universities buy equipment businesses are using right now so our students are career-ready upon graduation,” said Husted, Lt. Governor. “Terra State Community College in Fremont purchased brand-new advanced manufacturing equipment!”
The Super RAPIDS (Regionally Aligned Priorities in Delivering Skills) program, managed by the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE), supports collaborative projects aimed at enhancing workforce development across Ohio. With $40 million in funding, it focuses on capacity building, removing employment barriers, and developing business-led strategies. Proposals for the latest funding round were accepted from September 5 to October 5, 2023.
On December 15, Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted announced the recipients of grants from the Super RAPIDS program. A total of 81 higher education institutions will receive funding. “To continue Ohio’s economic momentum, our students must be trained and ready for jobs in technology, advanced manufacturing, and other high-skill industries,” said Husted. He added that they championed Super RAPIDS in the state budget to ensure training providers have the necessary resources and equipment to educate the next generation of Ohio’s workforce. The RAPIDS grants will be used to purchase equipment for classrooms, often shared among colleges and universities, to address regional workforce needs.
According to a list provided by Gov. DeWine’s office in a press release, several institutions across different regions received grants. In the southwest region: Miami University, the University of Cincinnati, Warren County Career Center; in the southeast region: Pike County CTC, Shawnee State University, Hocking College; in the Northeast-East region: Choffin Career and Technical Center, Kent State University; and in the Northeast-West region: Cleveland State University, Lorain County Community College were among those awarded grants. Additionally, The Ohio State University, Canton City Schools, Zane State College also received funding.
Husted was adopted and raised in Northwest Ohio’s Williams County and earned multiple degrees from the University of Dayton. He previously served as vice president at the Dayton-Area Chamber of Commerce before entering public service. According to his official biography, he has served as Ohio Secretary of State and House Speaker before being elected Lt. Governor first in 2018 and reelected in 2022. Husted and his wife Tina have three children.
