New Philadelphia, OH (April 11, 2025) – Buckeye Career Center (BCC) has been awarded a combined total of $533,411.47 through two competitive state grants aimed at enhancing workforce training opportunities in the region.
The first award, a $99,699 grant from the Ohio Department of Higher Education's Regionally Aligned Priorities in Delivering Skills (RAPIDS) program, will fund the purchase of cutting-edge training equipment for student use. RAPIDS supports Ohio’s public universities, community colleges, and career centers by funding equipment purchases tailored to meet regional workforce demands. BCC is a sub-awardee of Belmont College for this grant.
BCC will use the RAPIDS funding to acquire a portable power and control electronics trainer. The system includes AC/DC electrical systems trainers, plastics technologies learning modules, pumps and valves, and advanced electronics tools.
In addition, BCC has received a $433,712.47 Super RAPIDS grant, focused on automotive and advanced mobility training. This funding will support electric vehicle manufacturing workforce development in Tuscarawas County and beyond. Equipment to be purchased includes a collaborative robot, smart learning systems, electronic sensor systems, and programmable logic control and troubleshooting systems.
The Super RAPIDS investment continues the growth of the Multi-County Advanced Manufacturing Corridor, which exemplifies a partnership with Kent State University at Tuscarawas and other local entities, including the Tuscarawas County Commissioners. BCC Adult Education and high school manufacturing programs will benefit from the equipment.
The grant application received strong backing from local industry partners, including Battle Motors, Kurz-Kasch, and Schaeffler Group USA, Inc., who recognize the urgent need for a workforce trained in advanced manufacturing and mobility technologies.
"We are incredibly proud to bring this level of investment to our students and the local workforce," said Frank Polen, BCC Director of Curriculum, Instruction & Adult Education. “This will continue to increase our ability to train and upskill our community and those who work in it.”
Mr. Polen and Mr. Steve Rippeth, Assistant Director of Adult Education, led the grant-writing efforts.
###