NORTH CANTON, Ohio — Walsh University has been selected as one of only 12 training providers statewide and the only one in Stark County to receive renewed funding through Ohio's latest Individual Microcredential Assistance Program (IMAP). Administered through the Ohio Department of Development and the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation, the $498,000 IMAP award will be used to expand Walsh’s Skilled Technical Workforce (STWF) training programs that provide free, industry‑recognized microcredentials to Ohioans seeking high-demand careers in today’s technology‑driven job market.
During the previous award period, Walsh issued 166 industry-recognized credentials while achieving a program completion rate of more than 70 percent. Most importantly, 42 percent of unemployed participants who completed the program secured employment, demonstrating the impact of employer-aligned training in helping Ohioans transition into meaningful careers.
"This second IMAP award recognizes the impact our Skilled Technical Workforce program is having across Ohio," said Dr. Dan Passerini, Executive Director of Cross-Enterprise Operations at Walsh University. "By removing financial barriers to high-quality training and working closely with employers to develop relevant curriculum, we are creating pathways to better careers while helping businesses build the skilled workforce they need."
The renewed funding will allow Walsh University to expand enrollment, launch additional training cohorts, and serve more unemployed adults, incumbent workers, and high school students throughout Stark County and across Ohio. Participants will continue to earn industry-recognized microcredentials at no cost in fields that align with Ohio's workforce needs.
Building on the program's success, Walsh has expanded its IMAP training portfolio from five to six workforce-focused microcredentials with the addition of Polymer Chemistry: Principles and Practice, developed in response to workforce needs identified by the Greater Akron Polymer Industry Cluster. The University's IMAP offerings now include Microsoft Office 365 and Teams, Information Technology, Manufacturing Technology, Polymer Chemistry, FAA Drone Technology UAS, and HVAC Diagnostics (IoT).
“This is wonderful news for Walsh University and for Stark County employers and job seekers, said Stephen Mackenzie, President and CEO of Strengthening Stark. “Access to a qualified workforce is a key determinate for companies looking to expand their current operations, and those considering relocation to our county. Stark Economic Development Board and Strengthening Stark are excited to work with Walsh University and the other partners to build on the success of the first IMAP grant as we continue to connect residents with meaningful careers while helping employers meet their talent needs.”
Walsh University's IMAP-supported programming is delivered in partnership with organizations including Strengthening Stark, ICAN Housing, Inc., Goodwill Industries, the National Center for Urban Solutions, and the Greater Stark County Urban League. Together, these organizations provide participants with career coaching, support services, and job placement assistance that help individuals successfully enter and advance in the workforce.
More broadly, Walsh University’s Skilled Technical Workforce program has credentialed nearly 3,000 Ohioans across all offerings, underscoring its growing impact on workforce development across the region.
Ohioans interested in earning a free, industry-recognized microcredential through Walsh University's Skilled Technical Workforce program can learn more and view upcoming training opportunities at www.walsh.edu/skilledtechworkforce.
