U.S. Department of Commerce Invests Approximately $3 Million in Akron, Ohio to Strengthen Polymers Workforce Training Program Through Good Jobs Challenge
Contact: EDA Public Affairs Department, edamedia@eda.gov
WASHINGTON, DC — Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding an approximately $3 million Good Jobs Challenge grant to the Greater Akron Chamber, to further the Advanced Polymer and Manufacturing Excellence, a workforce training program to support the region’s polymers industry.
The program will create accessible career pathways in the polymer sector by leveraging a partnership of employers, educational institutions, industry labs, and community and labor organizations to design and implement sector strategies for training and placing workers into good jobs. This project will advance the Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub, which EDA designated as a Tech Hub in 2023.
“The Good Jobs Challenge underscores the intent and impact of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda by strengthening and empowering America’s workforce, securing their future, and ensuring the United States remains globally competitive,” said Secretary Raimondo. “Building off its previous success, the Good Jobs Challenge is expanding into more communities across the country with a focus on industries that will define the 21st century economy. These investments will train American workers for industries of the future, empower them with the tools they need to secure good-paying jobs, and lift up communities in Ohio that have too often been overlooked or left behind.”
The Good Jobs Challenge is awarding its second phase of funding, investing $25 million into workforce systems and industry-led partnerships, providing new opportunities and training for America’s workforce to develop in-demand skills that meet the needs of today’s employers and lead to good-paying jobs. Initially funded by $500 million from the Biden-Harris Administration’s American Rescue Plan, the program is concluding its second year of implementation and has trained and placed more than 12,000 American workers into good jobs.
“Training a workforce that meets industry demands is a key component to growing and strengthening local and regional economies,” said Acting Assistant Secretary of Economic Development Cristina Killingsworth. “The new Good Jobs Challenge awardees will build upon the success of our first-round grantees in putting thousands of Americans to work in industries that make our country stronger, safer, and more prosperous.”
“I was proud to support the Greater Akron Chamber’s proposal which aims to create career pathways in the polymer sector,” said Representative Max Miller (OH-7). “With nearly 10% of manufacturing jobs in Northeast Ohio currently vacant, the region is facing an unprecedented labor shortage. By expanding access to workforce development programs—particularly those focused on career-oriented technical training that doesn’t require a four-year degree—we can grow our workforce, strengthen our economy, and secure a brighter future for Ohio. I am excited to see all that will come from this Good Jobs Challenge grant.”
“Ohio’s 13th Congressional District has long been a trailblazer in polymer science and polymer engineering. I’m thrilled that the Greater Akron Chamber will receive $3 million in federal funds, thanks to the historic CHIPS and Science Act, in addition to another $3 million matched by local funds,” said Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13). “These funds will help further the Akron Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub by ensuring that we have a strong workforce to meet the demands of the growing polymers field. I’m proud to have worked with our local and federal stakeholders to bring these vital funds back to our district to create good-paying jobs and grow our local economy. This investment will ensure Northeast Ohio remains a global leader and trailblazer in polymer science and polymer engineering, reaffirming our district’s legacy as the Rubber Capital of the World. From sustainable tires to cutting-edge polymers, the next generation of rubber and plastics production will proudly be made here in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District.”
“By investing in and training America’s workforce, we are not only setting up our nation’s workers for future success in an everchanging job market, but also supporting economic growth,” said Representative Dave Joyce (OH-14). “I was proud to support funding for the Good Jobs Challenge throughout the FY24 appropriations process and I am glad to see part of it allocated to serve the Greater Akron Chamber. Specially, in my district, this funding will ensure Portage County residents have the resources and skills necessary to secure high-paying jobs in the community.”
Read more about the Good Jobs Challenge at eda.gov.
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.