April 3, 2025, Press Release from Rhodes State College:
LIMA, Ohio – Rhodes State College has been awarded $55,869 as part of the $8 million in Regionally Aligned Priorities in Delivering Skills (RAPIDS) grants recently approved by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jim Tressel, and Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) Chancellor Mike Duffey. These funds will support Rhodes State’s commitment to equipping students with cutting-edge training in advanced manufacturing, ensuring they are career-ready upon graduation.
The RAPIDS program is designed to strengthen Ohio’s workforce by providing funding for public universities, community colleges, Ohio Technical Centers, and independent institutions to invest in state-of-the-art equipment tailored to regional workforce needs. Through this initiative, students at Rhodes State will gain hands-on experience with the same advanced manufacturing technology used by industry leaders across Ohio.
“This investment allows Rhodes State College to continue preparing students for high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing,” said Dave Haus, Dean of Technology and Liberal Studies at Rhodes State. “By providing access to industry-standard equipment and training, we are ensuring that our graduates are ready to meet the evolving needs of Ohio’s workforce.”
Rhodes State College is dedicated to fostering workforce development and economic growth by collaborating with regional employers and educational partners. The RAPIDS grant reinforces the College’s ongoing efforts to provide relevant, high-quality education that aligns with industry expectations.
The funding will also benefit Apollo Career Center, a partner institution of Rhodes State, which received $59,078 to further enhance training opportunities in advanced manufacturing.
“RAPIDS grants provide our students with the skills and experience necessary to succeed in today’s job market,” said Chancellor Duffey. “By investing in modern training equipment, we are strengthening Ohio’s workforce and economy.”
Since its inception in 2014, the RAPIDS program has played a crucial role in bridging the gap between education and employment by equipping students with the tools and training they need to thrive in high-demand fields. With this latest round of funding, Rhodes State College continues to position itself as a leader in workforce development, ensuring that students are in the Right Place, Right Now for success in advanced manufacturing.
