Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted has announced that Tiffin University is one of two four-year institutions in the state to receive funding to offer free technology-focused credentials through the Individual Microcredential Assistance Program (IMAP).
IMAP was created to allow Ohioans to participate in a training program and receive a tech-focused credential at no cost. The program recently expanded, opening the opportunity to all Ohioans, not just those that are low-income, partially employed or totally unemployed. Training through IMAP is offered both in-person and online, removing transportation barriers for participants.
TU was awarded $499,000, enabling 187 students to be credentialed through the grant. A full list of TU’s credentials can be found at workforceready.tiffin.edu and include cybersecurity, data science, IT helpdesk administrator, IT security specialist, software development and more.
“The certificates included in the training were identified through Ohio’s market analysis and will support labor gaps that the state is facing,” said Dr. Peter J. Holbrook, Provost and Chief Operating Officer. “Tiffin University continues to be a leader in the commitment to train the State’s future workforce, through our innovative curriculum and hands-on learning experiences.”
In the State of Ohio, the rapidly evolving labor market presents a clear and urgent need for workforce training, a necessity underscored by the latest labor market reports. The IT sector in Ohio is on the brink of significant expansion, with an anticipated 6% growth over the next five years, leading to nearly 10,000 new tech jobs. The high frequency of job postings in this field highlights Ohio’s critical shortage of skilled talent. Tiffin University has the expertise to address this urgent need effectively by enhancing certificates and non-degree credentials.*
“Today’s announcement more than doubles the number of credentials available than in the most previous round of IMAP,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “We want to remove barriers to job training so more Ohioans can earn skills that are needed now and, in the future, and that’s what we’re doing through the IMAP program.”
TU is one of 15 training providers, which include four-year universities, two-year colleges, career centers and private education providers, that will be reimbursed up to $3,000 for each approved technology-focused credential earned. The addition of these new providers creates the opportunity for Ohioans to earn up to 3,390 additional credentials at no cost to them.
Ohioans interested in earning a credential or to see the full list of training providers can visit Workforce.Ohio.gov/IMAP.
For more information or to see a complete list of TU’s available certifications, go to imap.tiffin@core.edu.
* Data taken from Lightcast Q4 2023 Data Set | lightcast.io