Sen. Brown Announces New Federal Resources to Improve Higher Education Access in Ohio

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Six colleges and universities in Ohio have been awarded new federal resources to improve access to affordable higher education. U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today announced that Shawnee State University, Educational Partners, Cuyahoga Community College, Eastern Gateway Community College, the University of Cincinnati, and Cincinnati State Technical and Community College were awarded resources from the U.S. Department of Education’s TRIO Educational Opportunity Centers program.

“Ohio’s impressive network of community colleges and universities play an integral role in connecting displaced workers, veterans, and working Ohioans with the resources needed to earn a college degree,” Brown said. “Educational Opportunity Centers – supported through these federal resources – offer career workshops, financial aid assistance, and education and counseling services that are vital to making higher education accessible and affordable.” 

The following higher education institutions received Trio grants:

Brown is the author of the Strengthening Employment Clusters to Organize Regional Success (SECTORS) Act, which addresses the disparity between high unemployment rates and a shortage of skilled workers for many emerging industries. Despite the nation’s high unemployment rate, there is still demand in today’s labor market for skilled workers. This is particularly true for “middle-skill” jobs that require more than a high school degree but less than a four-year college degree. These jobs make up nearly half of America’s labor market and provide good compensation for workers. The SECTORS Acts would organize stakeholders connected to a regional industry—multiple firms, unions, education and training providers, and local workforce and education system administrators—to develop plans for growing that industry.

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