Manufacturing and Engineering Pathway Programs Innovation Grants

Manufacturing and Engineering Pathway Programs Innovation Grants is a grant from Battelle Education that funds Ohio public schools and educational organizations developing or expanding manufacturing and engineering career pathway programs for high school students. The pilot program awarded $1. 76 million in grants to 10 organizations across 21 Ohio school districts, supported by the Walton Family Foundation.

Grants help students earn college credits and industry-recognized credentials before graduation, preparing them for Ohio's manufacturing sector which needs more than 30,000 technicians annually. Funded programs run through July 30, 2026, and include cross-sector partnerships between K-12 schools, higher education, and industry partners.

Manufacturing Pathways Pilot​ - Ohio STEM Learning Network Manufacturing Pathways Pilot Innovation Grants for High School Manufacturing Pathways Pilot The Manufacturing Pathways Pilot, a program of the Ohio STEM Learning Network, launched with $1. 76 million in grants awarded to 10 organizations across Ohio.

With support from the Walton Family Foundation, students in 21 school districts will be eligible to enroll in the pathway programs, preparing them for in-demand careers in Ohio’s growing manufacturing sector. The pilot reimagines the high school experience through real-world, hands-on learning opportunities that prepare students for life after graduation.

Under the pilot, these 10 organizations are developing innovative delivery models or expanding existing successful Manufacturing pathway or Engineering and Science Technologies pathway programs.

Allen County Educational Service Center, Allen County Berkshire Local School District, Geauga County Columbus City Schools, Franklin County Cincinnati Public Schools, Hamilton County Dayton Regional STEM School , Montgomery County Fredericktown Local School District, Knox County Greene County Career Center, Greene County Maysville Local Schools, Muskingum County Tri-State STEM School , Lawrence County Washington County Joint Vocational School District, Washington County Ohio employers need more than 30,000 manufacturing technicians every year, making this pilot program crucial for addressing the state's manufacturing talent gap.

( According to the Ohio Manufacturers Association ) New Program Launched to Connect Students to Manufacturing Careers COLUMBUS, Ohio (May 5, 2025) – Battelle announced the official launch of the Manufacturing Pathways Pilot program to develop and expand innovative manufacturing career pathways in public schools across Ohio. With support from the Walton Family Foundation, 10 grants totaling $1.

76 million were awarded to support industry-aligned educational programs that will prepare students in 21 Ohio districts for in-demand careers in Ohio’s growing manufacturing sector. The Manufacturing Pathways Pilot represents a strategic response to Ohio’s manufacturing talent gap.

With significant investments from companies such as Intel, Honda and LG Energy Solution, Ford, and SEMCORP reshaping Ohio’s economy, the state requires increased workforce development efforts to connect students to high-tech manufacturing careers. Each funded program features cross-sector partnerships between K-12 schools, higher education institutions, and industry partners to ensure alignment with workforce needs.

These collaborations enable students to earn college credits and industry-recognized credentials before high school graduation, positioning them for success in manufacturing career pathways. The grant period runs from March 2025 through July 30, 2026.

During this period, Battelle will track performance metrics including enrollment, credential attainment, and student persistence in manufacturing pathways to inform the creation of future pathway programs. “I’m most excited about the idea of being on the cutting edge of a growing industry in the United States. ” — 9th grade student, Tri-State STEM+M, South Point, Ohio Do you have questions or need more information?

For more information about the program or if you have any questions, please contact this inbox at Battelle. Battelle Education is a mission-oriented non-profit launched by Battelle to amplify STEM education best practices. Battelle Education also manages the Ohio STEM Learning Network, in partnership with the Ohio Department of Education & Workforce.