Muskingum News

Muskingum University was awarded over $1.4 million for a Workforce Opportunity for a Rural Communities Initiative grant from the U.S. Department of Labor.

The WORC Initiative funds projects that promote economic mobility, address historic inequities for marginalized individuals and regions, and enable workers to access opportunity in their communities in the Appalachia, Delta and Northern Border regions. The University was one of 15 Appalachian Regional Commission recipients.

“Muskingum University is excited to receive its second WORC Initiative grant and continue its impact on the 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 Expanding Rural Integrated Healthcare Pathways in Appalachian Ohio project addresses the area’s need to identify, educate, hire and retain well-trained healthcare workers. It will serve a 21-county region that includes Adams, Athens, Belmont, Carroll, Coshocton, Gallia, Guernsey, Harrison, Hocking, Holmes, Jackson, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Scioto, Tuscarawas, Vinton and Washington counties. 

These counties are designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs), and all but one of the counties is designated both as a Primary Care and Mental Health HPSA (US Department of Health & Human Services). Muskingum University has taken a lead in the health and wellness of the region through academic and workforce programs and as a convenor of stakeholders to create solutions and systems to bring prosperity to the distressed communities in southeast Appalachian Ohio. 

“Our Workforce Opportunities for Rural Communities Initiative grants will help Americans in the Appalachian, Delta, and Northern Border regions access good jobs and foster community stability and growth,” said Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training José Javier Rodríguez. “The grants will help provide training and supportive services and launch strategic initiatives that pave the way for workers to thrive in meaningful work in our local communities.”

The consortium, comprised of healthcare industry, educational institutions, and workforce development organizations, will continue to collaborate throughout the project. Consortium members include Genesis Healthcare, Muskingum Valley Healthcare, Muskingum Behavioral Health, OhioHealth Southeastern Ohio Medical, OhioHealth O’bleness Medical, Buckeye Hills Career and Technical Center, Central Ohio Technical Center, Mideast Technical Center, Tri-County Career Center, Zane State College, Ohio Mideastern Government Association (OMEGA), Ohio Means Jobs (OMJ), Buckeye Hills Regional Commission, and Muskingum Valley Behavioral Health.

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