Youngstown State and University of Akron Receive $3.45 Million in Air Force Research Contracts Funded by Congressman Tim Ryan

Press Release

Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13) today announced that YSU and University of Akron will take part in a $30 million program to train future engineers. The Microelectronics Workforce Development Program is a joint partnership between Wright State University, Youngstown State University, University of Akron, University of Toledo, Ohio University, and Lorain County Community College to establish statewide undergraduate degree pathways for digital system development and computer engineering that will produce students current in the latest tools and techniques. YSU will receive a $2.2 million contract and University of Akron will receive a $1.25 million contract.

Ryan was able to secure this funding through the Fiscal Year 2020 Defense Appropriations Bill using his position on the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. Next year, Congressman Ryan will ascend to the position of Vice Chair of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.

"I am proud to have been able to secure this important funding to our community and the entire State of Ohio. For years we were forced to watch our friends and family have to move out of our community to find work. Since day one when I came to Congress, my goal has been to build opportunities for our young people to succeed right here at home. This program will not only give our young people the tools they need to succeed, but it will put our community and the State of Ohio at the cutting edge of the technology and innovation that will lead the jobs of the future," said Congressman Tim Ryan.

The Microelectronics Workforce Development Program's Goals:

Establish statewide undergraduate degree pathways for digital system development that will produce students current in the latest tools and techniques.
Develop a unique undergraduate program in computer engineering that includes pathways for digital system development and other high-demand workforce needs, with supporting research activities.
Build regional and statewide partnerships for deployment and enrollment of this program.
Develop outreach and recruitment programs into the K-12 student populations to boost enrollment.
Partner with regional industry and researchers to ensure that our program offerings are closely coupled with current workforce needs.
Seek to implement degree programs that prepare students to address all technical areas.
Initiate K-12 outreach programs for student pipeline
Program graduates will be deployed to regional workforce partners, e.g., AFRL, Battelle, ECI, GM, NASA Glenn, Northrup Grumman, TDKC, Tenet.

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