Rep. Sykes Secures Federal Funding for Workforce Initiatives in Barberton

Rep. Sykes Secures Federal Funding for Workforce Initiatives in Barberton

BARBERTON, OH - Today, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) announced the Economic Development Administration awarded the Barberton Community Foundation (BCF) an $80,400 Planning and Local Technical Assistance grant. These funds will be used to conduct a feasibility study to establish the need for workforce development capacity in the region's dense polymer manufacturing cluster in Northeast Ohio.

The study will examine the development of a multi-component training system designed to address critical skills gaps in advanced manufacturing while supporting local and regional economic revitalization. The results of the study will define the growing demand for skilled workers in defense and energy manufacturing, polymer technology, and other advanced manufacturing sectors.

"Ohio's 13th Congressional District has a rich history of manufacturing, and this workforce development project will help ensure that legacy in Barberton for generations to come. It will make certain that those who grow up in Northeast Ohio have the education, skills, and job opportunities to build their career right here at home," said Rep. Sykes. "I am proud to be a long-time supporter of the Barberton Community Foundation and other local businesses and organizations working to make this project a reality."

"Our community is proud of our history of hard work in manufacturing, and this grant for a workforce study will help us identify the right career opportunities that are in demand in the present and in the future, for our residents, and for anyone in the region seeking to elevate their career pathways," said BCF Executive Director Josh Gordon. "I want to especially thank Gil Gonzales on our Foundation team for pursuing this grant award, as it signals the start of an exciting journey for our community - we are excited to share more information in the future."

"This federal investment recognizes Barberton's potential to become a nationally significant hub for advanced manufacturing workforce development," said Gil Gonzales, Director of Strategic Projects at BCF.

The feasibility study will specifically explore three core areas of workforce development:

• Advanced Manufacturing Training: Exploring a purpose-built facility providing specialized training for precision manufacturing, welding engineering, and advanced manufacturing processes;
• Polymer Technology Careers: Training workers in advanced materials manufacturing and polymer science applications; and
• AI and Advanced Materials Innovation: Developing workforce capabilities in artificial intelligence applications for materials science, predictive manufacturing, and smart manufacturing systems.

The study will analyze market demand (including national, regional, and local unmet workforce development needs), infrastructure requirements, financial sustainability, and implementation timelines. Upon completion, the findings will inform applications for construction and implementation funding to establish the facilities required to sustainably conduct comprehensive workforce training programs.

The long-term outcomes of this initial project are expected to create high quality jobs and invite as much as $50 million in private investment. The initiative aligns with federal priorities for strengthening manufacturing capabilities and supporting economic development in distressed communities.

Barberton, and surrounding Summit County, have experienced economic challenges following the decline of traditional manufacturing industries. The proposed workforce training center represents a strategic opportunity to further strengthen the local economy while addressing critical manufacturing workforce needs.

BCF will partner with regional educational institutions, local government, and industry partners to conduct the feasibility study and develop implementation plans.

Rep. Sykes has been a long-time supporter of this project. Earlier this year, she met with BCF to discuss the importance of this workforce development project for Ohio's 13th Congressional District. Additionally, Rep. Sykes signed onto several letters this year to support BCF and the workforce training center by requesting funding for the following initiatives as part of Fiscal Year 2026:

• $975 million for the National Institute of Standards and Technology;
• $10.18 billion for the National Science Foundation; and
• The highest possible funding for Manufacturing USA.