ARC POWER Grant - GROW Appalachia Project

ARC POWER Grant - GROW Appalachia Project

Funder: Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)

Initiative: Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative

Award Amount: $1,396,500

Project Period: October 2023 - October 2026

Geographic Scope: Southeastern Ohio (Appalachian Ohio region)

Project Overview

The "GROW Appalachia" Project aims to develop a Manufacturing Support Center (MSC) in Southeastern Ohio that aligns with ARC's goals to build Appalachian business strengths and diversify the region's economy through economic development, entrepreneurship, and business development.

Project Goals

• Provide specialized training to approximately 225 workers/trainees and 175 students
• Support existing businesses and creation of new businesses and jobs
• Expand knowledge from previous programming and planning grants
• Create a youth-to-adult talent pipeline for the Ohio Valley region
• Create high-paying jobs with industry credentials

Manufacturing Support Center (MSC) Key Features

• Advanced Technology & Equipment: Industry and education utilize cutting-edge technology and equipment
• Subject Matter Experts: Engineering technical assistance to help design and develop prototypes
• Cost Reduction: Industry can produce parts on advanced equipment they may not afford individually, helping remain competitive
• Internship Opportunities: Students work side-by-side with industry experts, learning and assisting in design and development
• Training Programs: Expert training in:
- Innovation design - Entrepreneurialism with business plans/marketing - Supply chain optimization and logistics - Advanced equipment operation

Training & Education Components

• Classes offered to industry, teachers, and students
• Prototype creation to resolve production issues
• K-12 and postsecondary student programming
• Recovery-to-work program (partnership with Job and Family Services and Field of Hope)
• Industry credentials (NIMS - National Institute of Manufacturing Systems)

Current Activity (as of project announcement)

• Working with five Ohio University interns
• Developing energy product (lever) for water pressure systems
• Reducing costs and creating workforce pipeline
• Prototype development and problem-solving classes

Project Partners

• Washington County Career Center
• National Museum of Education
• Converge
• Team Consortium
• Marshall University's Advanced Manufacturing Center (formerly Robert C. Byrd Institute)
• Ohio University (interns and curriculum)
• Pennsylvania Tri-Teams Coalition (best practices, resources, networking, curriculum)
• Field of Hope (recovery treatment center)

Focus Areas

• Manufacturing workforce development
• Advanced equipment operation
• Entrepreneurship and business development
• Supply chain optimization
• Recovery-to-work pathways
• Youth-to-adult talent pipeline

Contact Information

Appalachian Ohio Manufacturers' Coalition
• Phone: 740-672-5183
• Email: info@aomanufacturers.org
• Address: PO Box 587, 2351 State Route 821, Building 23, Marietta, OH 45750