Owens Community College has successfully braided funding to improve welding and CNC/machining training. Through Ohio TechNet, the Department of Labor contributed approximately $62,500 in equipment and the Gene Haas Foundation contributed more than $28,000 in scholarships and equipment.
Funding was also leveraged to establish a unique training partnership. Through a White Paper funding opportunity, Owens has the opportunity to partner with the Cherry Street Mission Ministries. The Cherry Street Mission is the largest organization serving low-income and homeless men, women, and children in the 14 counties of Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. Funds were allocated to the college to establish an educational experience in machine tool technology on-site in downtown Toledo to benefit both participants and employers.
Trainees will include Ohio TechNet participants, who will earn a Tool & Die Certificate from Owens upon successful completion of training. Further, Owens staff will be on-site to provide supportive services. This partnership illustrates Owens’ creativity in meeting industry needs and simultaneously serving the unemployed, under-employed, and other transitioning adults.
