Optimizing navigation for rural advanced manufacturing pathways (ONRAMP)

This $2,022,519.00 federal Project Grant award was provided by the U.S. Department of Education's Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) program to Ohio University. The grant aims to optimize navigation for rural advanced manufacturing pathways (ONRAMP) by providing career navigation and support services to high school students in Appalachian Ohio interested in manufacturing and STEM career paths.

Key services to be delivered under the award include hiring and managing career navigators to collaborate with local schools, colleges, and community organizations to engage Appalachian students, develop outreach strategies, provide information and exposure to manufacturing/STEM opportunities, assist students in navigating educational and career pathways, and coordinate with employers to create internships and work-based learning. The grant will also fund the delivery of specialized workshops, courses, and training programs tailored to the needs of Appalachian students. Subgrants were awarded to the East Central Ohio Educational Service Center and Fairfield County Educational Service Center to provide similar career navigation and support services in their respective districts.