HILLSBORO, Ohio — Southern State Community College (SSCC) is set to receive $208,108.40 as part of an $8.3 million Super RAPIDS grant initiative announced by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel, and Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor Mike Duffey. The funding, awarded to 39 institutions statewide, aims to bolster training for over 6,600 students, preparing them for Ohio’s growing manufacturing sector.
SSCC’s grant will support the acquisition of advanced equipment, enhancing hands-on training programs tailored to regional workforce demands. The college’s allocation is part of a competitive process prioritizing employer input, with over 130 businesses across Ohio’s seven JobsOhio regions shaping proposals to align with industry needs.
“This investment equips Southern State to train students on cutting-edge technology, mirroring what they’ll encounter in high-demand manufacturing jobs,” DeWine said. “It’s about creating clear pathways to careers right here in Ohio.”
The Super RAPIDS program, supplementing the state’s Regionally Aligned Priorities in Delivering Skills (RAPIDS) initiative, focuses on upgrading lab and classroom spaces. Equipment purchased through these grants is often shared across campuses, broadening access to affordable, high-quality education.
“Southern State’s grant ensures our students graduate ready to meet employer expectations from day one,” Tressel said. “By aligning training with what businesses need, we’re building a workforce that keeps Ohio competitive.”
Chancellor Duffey emphasized the program’s impact, stating, “RAPIDS and Super RAPIDS empower schools like Southern State to address urgent workforce gaps, setting students up for lasting success.”