Goals of the Program
ON-RAMP will establish four dynamic, consortium-based advanced manufacturing workforce training centers in targeted Upstate regions. In addition to a flagship location in Syracuse, three centers will be competitively awarded from eligible regions, with a maximum of one center per region.
ON-RAMP centers are expected to be established as fully sustainable entities that do not require ongoing ESD support within five years of award of implementation funding.
Core Principles
Commitment to Access and Equity
- Develop accessible and equitable pathways for priority populations to access training and education that lead to good jobs in advanced manufacturing.
- Establish a clearly articulated plan that demonstrates how access and equity will be addressed and continually evaluated for effectiveness in serving priority populations.
Development of Active Industry Partnerships
- Demonstrate industry engagement in such areas as curriculum development, training support, mentoring, career exploration, business tours, commitments to interview graduates for open positions, and active participation in ongoing programming.
- Ensure that training offerings are developed with industry and are reflective of industry projections for advanced manufacturing job growth within the region.
- Build ongoing mechanisms for updating training based on changing industry needs.
Creation of Effective Workforce Pipelines
- Create career pathways for entry-level and mid-skill workers to access long-term sustainable employment in advanced manufacturing.
- Develop or enhance training programs for in-demand skills featuring direct job placement with industry partners.
- Increase the capacity of workforce training providers with a track record of results-oriented workforce training and fostering opportunities for priority populations.
- Provide job seekers with a variety of options for training and education from several providers within the center and ensuring alignment between participant interest, industry demand, and training offerings.
Wraparound Supports for Program Participants
- Utilize innovative approaches, services and programs that increase success in skills training by reducing barriers to participation and achievement, such as lack of access to transportation or childcare.
- Partner with local nonprofit and community-based organizations that assist individuals from priority populations for case management services and recruitment, with the goal of bringing new people into the labor force.
- Provide stipends to participants while they undergo short-term, non-degree bearing training in an “earn while you learn” model.
Data-Driven Performance Management
- Collect, track, and regularly report specific outcome data to evaluate achievement of program goals.
- Use data-driven decision-making to improve the overall program and approach, with multiple check-in points to assess and solve challenges and implement process improvement.
Eligibility & Funding Awards
In addition to a flagship location in Syracuse, three ON-RAMP centers will be competitively awarded from the following eligible regions, with a maximum of one center per region, with regional borders aligning to ESD’s definition:
- Capital Region
- Finger Lakes
- Mid-Hudson
- Mohawk Valley
- North Country
- Southern Tier
Applications should represent a consortium of training providers, support service providers, and industry partners who will be involved in the development and operation of the ON-RAMP center, represented by a single primary applicant organization that will lead the development and execution of the project.
Entities eligible to apply as the primary lead include:
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Workforce development boards
- Chambers of commerce and trade associations
- Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES)
- Municipalities
- Public two-year community colleges
- Other career and technical education providers.
Refer to the full program guidelines for additional details on program eligibility.
Awards
The three competitively awarded ON-RAMP centers will be eligible for both planning and implementation funding awards.
Awarded centers will initially be eligible for up to $300,000 in planning funds to develop a full detailed roadmap for implementation of the center in their region. Applicants must provide a 10% match, which may include in-kind contributions.
Upon completion of a full detailed business plan during the planning phase, ESD will award the three centers implementation funding of up to $40 million (up to $20 million for capital and $20 million for operating expenses). Applicants will need to demonstrate a 20% match for both capital and operating funding requests in the implementation phase.
Refer to the full program guidelines for more details on eligible uses of funds and use restrictions.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be evaluated on the extent to which they fulfill the goals of the program and meet the following criteria:
- Project concept and readiness
- Project partnerships and innovation
- Program impact
- Support services for trainees
- Experience, qualifications, and capacity
At a minimum, the lead organization must demonstrate that the consortium they represent comprises member organizations that can deliver the core functions of the ON-RAMP model.
Applications will be reviewed for alignment with priorities established for the ON-RAMP program. Empire State Development reserves the right to issue an addendum to the program guidelines, if required and make project awards in different amounts and under terms other than requested or than included in these Guidelines.
