ZANESVILLE, Ohio – The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) is a recipient of a $250,000 Industry Sector Partnership Grant from the State of Ohio to support Mid-East Career and Technology Centers’ (MECTC) new CDL training program. Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted, Director of the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation, announced December 11, 2023, 26 grants totaling $5 million.
“We are proud to assist our member districts in providing funding opportunities and programs that support students in our region,” said Lori Snyder-Lowe, Superintendent, MVESC. “This grant will provide greater training capabilities for Mid-East while also providing MVESC with funding to help students earn their driver’s licenses so they can enroll in programs such as the Mid-East CDL program or other workforce pathways, including internships, apprenticeships, and careers,” she added.
Eastin Lewellen, MVESC’s Director of Workforce Development, identified the partnership opportunity through conversations with Matt Sheridan, Superintendent, MECTC. Steven Foreman, MVESC’s Grants Administrator, then completed and submitted the grant application that was one of only two partnerships selected for funding in southeast Ohio.
The grant award will be used to purchase a CDL training simulator, and help promote the program through scholarships, advertising, and outreach to local school districts. MVESC will administer the grant award working collaboratively with MECTC to meet the grant’s objectives.
“It’s important that we encourage collaboration throughout communities so we can train our students with the skills businesses in their regions need and expose them to opportunities available in their own back yards,” said Lt. Governor Husted.