YSU to receive $125,000 in federal funds

Staff report

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A federal-state partnership is awarding $125,000 in federal funds to Youngstown State University’s Virtual Advanced Manufacturing Equipment Network initiative.

The money will be used to purchase 3-D printers for an educational laboratory where students and employees of local manufacturers can learn additive-manufacturing skills while providing support services for manufacturers.

“This is great news for Mahoning Valley students, workers and businesses,” U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, said in a statement announcing the award. “Public-private partnerships like this leverage resources to provide local business with skilled workers and provide Ohioans with the training they need for high paying, high-tech manufacturing jobs.”

The Appalachian Regional Commission, charged with facilitating economic development in the 13 Appalachian states, will provide the funds, which will be matched with $275,044 from local sources.

The program is expected to begin in eight months.

YSU’s Advanced Manufacturing Equipment Network will consist of YSU, AST2, the Youngstown Business Incubator, Eastern Gateway Community College and America Makes, formerly the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute.