Muskingum News

Muskingum University was awarded over $970,000 for a Workforce Opportunity for a Rural Communities Initiative grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. The University was one of 11 Appalachian Regional Commission recipients.

The WORC Initiative funds projects that invest in education, training, and career support services. It provides resources for local and regional workforce development solutions and for community partnerships to promote new, sustainable job opportunities.

“Muskingum University is excited about the impact this grant will have on our region,” said President Susan Hasseler. “Having a team of committed organizations working collaboratively to meet workforce needs will contribute to long-term economic vitality.”

The Building Healthcare Pathways in Rural Appalachian Ohio project was developed by a consortium and will provide a solution to two key issues: poor health outcomes and disparities paired with a critical shortage of healthcare professionals.

The consortium, comprised of healthcare industry, educational institutions, and workforce development organizations, will continue to collaborate throughout the project. Consortium members include Genesis HealthCare System, Memorial Health System in Marietta, Muskingum Behavioral Health, Muskingum Valley Health Center, Southeastern Ohio Med, Central Ohio Technical Center, Mid-East Career & Technical Centers, Muskingum University, Zane State College, Ohio Means Jobs (OMJ) – Muskingum County and Ohio Mideastern Governments Association (OMEGA).

The grant program will create and implement industry-recognized healthcare credentials that are responsive to emerging skill needs in targeted healthcare careers. The credentials will serve dislocated workers, incumbent healthcare workers, and high school students in an eight-county region that includes Coshocton, Guernsey, Holmes, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Tuscarawas and Washington counties.

For more information about USDOL’s WORC Initiative, click here.