Youngstown State Received Grant for Cyber Hub
The $1.5 million grant will fund an infrastructure and cybersecurity workforce training program at the Excellence Training Center.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Data Centers
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Youngstown State University has secured $1.5 million in funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission POWER program to launch an industrial cybersecurity training hub. The university is contributing an additional $1.1 million to the project, which will provide no-cost training at the Excellence Training Center on W Commerce Street.
Why it matters
Local employers increasingly require a skilled workforce capable of managing integrated smart factory technologies. This initiative aims to address that gap by training students in operational technology and industrial cybersecurity systems.
The Connected Infrastructure & Industrial Cybersecurity Workforce Initiative will utilize $2.6 million in total funding to train 165 students over three years. Participants will receive technical instruction in OT/IT systems, industrial networking, automation, and robotics.
The players
Youngstown State University
This public research university serves as the lead institution for the new infrastructure and industrial cybersecurity training hub.
Appalachian Regional Commission
This federal-state economic partnership agency provided the $1.5 million in POWER program funding for the workforce initiative.
Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition
This organization represents regional manufacturers and is partnering with the university to align training with employer needs.
The details
The facility on W Commerce Street will focus on preparing workers to manage the complex connectivity required for modern industrial production. Youngstown State is partnering with the Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition, the Lawrence Mercer Manufacturers Coalition, and Jobs for Ohio Graduates to deliver this specialized curriculum.
Timeline
The training program is scheduled to span a duration of three years.
The Tech Race
This initiative reflects the broader industrial shift toward interconnected production systems and the urgent need for skilled labor to maintain these complex digital frameworks. By establishing this hub, Youngstown positions its manufacturing sector to remain competitive against global peers transitioning to automated and cyber-secure production.
Local students and prospective workers can access high-demand industrial cybersecurity training at no cost through this new program. This training provides a direct pathway for participants to enter the workforce with skills required for operating advanced automated and networked production systems.
The takeaway
This partnership highlights how regional universities are evolving to serve as the critical bridge between educational theory and the practical demands of digitized manufacturing. Residents looking for career advancement in technical fields should monitor the program for upcoming enrollment opportunities.
Further reading
For more information on the evolving landscape of regional infrastructure, visit our Data Centers section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WKBN.
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