Walsh University receives grant from Individual Microcredential Assistance Program

Walsh University has received a $498,000 grant from Ohio’s Individual Microcredential Assistance Program. The renewed state funding will allow the university to continue offering its free Skilled Technical Workforce program, which includes five existing training programs, and through this round of funding, is adding a sixth to the roster.

According to an article on Walsh University's website, Dan Passerini, who serves as the university’s executive director of cross-enterprise operations, was quoted as saying of the Skilled Technical Workforce Program, "I don't view it as a Walsh University resource, but a community resource. It's not just a job training program. It's a job training, job placement and job retention program. We try to match a participant's interests with their acumen, and then help them identify their career aspirations and develop a pathway to achieve their goals. I'd also like to integrate a financial literacy component into the program. So, as people secure jobs and gain stability, we're able to help them understand how to budget to build a better future for them and their families. We hope people leave the program with a better idea of great career opportunities that they might not have even considered in the past and inspire others to say to themselves: I can do this. I can pursue that two-year or four-year degree that I never thought I could.”

The Skilled Technical Workforce program offers training in Polymer Chemistry: Principles and Practice, Microsoft Office 365 and Teams, Information Technology, Manufacturing Technology, FAA Drone Technology, and HVAC Diagnostics.

The program aims to help individuals in the region achieve the credentials they need to succeed in the region’s workforce, focusing its offerings on the in-demand skills most relevant to the needs of the state. In addition to helping students achieve a credential, the Skilled Technical Workforce program will also work to connect students with jobs following their program completion. The university notes that 42% of unemployed participants secured jobs following program completion.

Strengthening Stark and the Stark Tuscarawas Workforce Development Board are partners with Walsh University in this part of the process, helping to connect individuals with organizations like Goodwill Industries, Greater Stark County Urban League, ICAN Housing Inc., Challenge Ministries, Jobs for Ohio Graduates, Stark County Community Action Agency and Stark Job and Family Services.

For more information about Walsh University, visit the school’s website.