A total of $9.5 million was approved as part of a larger federal funding bill. Ohio U.S. Sens. Jon Husted and Bernie Moreno showed support for the college’s new Ohio Center for Advanced Technologies.
As part of a broader federal funding bill, Congress approved $9.5 million in funding for Columbus State Community College’s Ohio Center for Advanced Technologies at the beginning of February 2026. The Ohio Center for Advanced Technologies has received support from Ohio U.S. Sens. Jon Husted and Bernie Moreno due to the project’s importance for the state’s workforce development and economic growth.
According to an article on Columbus State Community College’s website, Senator Husted is quoted as saying, “Columbus State’s Ohio Center for Advanced Technologies will prepare Ohioans for in-demand careers in advanced manufacturing – strengthening our workforce and powering economic growth across the state. I was proud to secure $9.5 million to support the construction of this new 100,000-square-foot facility to ensure Ohio remains a national leader in manufacturing. You cannot do Made in America without Made in Ohio, and this investment will help ensure we continue to have a skilled workforce to make it happen.”
Senator Moreno added, “Ohio is leading America’s manufacturing renaissance, and I’m proud to have helped secure $9.5 million for the Columbus State Community College’s Ohio Center for Advanced Technologies to equip Ohioans with the skills to drive long-term economic growth across the state. This investment is a testament to the unmatched talent and potential of Ohio’s workforce.”
The OCAT is a new academic building that will help students prepare for careers in information technology, advanced manufacturing, and biotechnology. The building is in the pre-design phase. It will be located near the college’s new OhioHealth building, on which construction is planned to begin in the first half of this year. Additionally, a new Columbus State YMCA will also be located in this area, representing the college’s growth.
The OCAT is likely to be around 100,000 square feet and cost around $60 million. Funding has been secured at federal, state, and local levels.
Jason Hall, who serves as the CEO of the Columbus Partnership, said, “An expanding number of technology-focused investments have helped make the Columbus metro one of the most dynamic and fast-growing economies in the U.S. To help prepare our fellow residents for these high-paying opportunities, we need to invest in proven regional partners like Columbus State so that they can equip our residents with the new skills they need to succeed, particularly in high-tech manufacturing. We thank Sens. Husted and Moreno for their leadership and partnership that moved at the speed of business to make OCAT a reality.”
For more information about Columbus State Community College, visit the school’s website.