Division of Lifelong Learning and Workforce Development

Executive Director
Nancy M. Pratt, Ph.D.
n.pratt@csuohio.edu

WIOA Funded Workforce Training

Have you been laid off?
Are you in need of a better paying job?

You may qualify for WIOA-funded workforce training at Cleveland State University.

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)

Looking for help paying for workforce training? WIOA funding may help cover the cost of an approved training program at Cleveland State University if you are eligible.

Your local OhioMeansJobs center can help you explore funding for training that leads to an industry-recognized credential. Options may include an Individual Training Account (ITA), which helps eligible learners pay for approved training that supports their career goals.

Before you register or pay for a course, connect with a career navigator at your county’s OhioMeansJobs center. Your navigator will help you understand eligibility requirements and find out whether funding is available for the CSU program you want to pursue.

Live in Cuyahoga County? To learn more and find out whether you qualify, visit or call your local OhioMeansJobs center using the information below.

Greater Cleveland Works
OhioMeansJobs Cuyahoga County

1910 Carnegie Ave., Cleveland
Monday – Friday
8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
216-777-8200

Find my OhioMeansJobs Center

Who Qualifies?

Contact your local OhioMeansJobs center about WIOA funding if any of these situations sound like yours:

You’re unemployed and need training to return to work.
You’ve been laid off or received notice that your job will end because of a layoff or workplace closure.
You’re working, but your earnings don’t meet your needs, and you need training to move into a better-paying job.
You’re a veteran preparing for civilian employment and need training for the work you want to pursue.

A Step-by-Step Guide

01 · Meet with an OhioMeansJobs career navigator
Find your local OhioMeansJobs center and talk with a navigator about the job you want and whether you may qualify for WIOA training funds.

02 · Find a CSU program in WIET
Open Ohio’s Workforce Inventory of Education and Training (WIET) and enter Cleveland State University in the Provider Name field. Share the exact program title with your navigator so you can discuss how it fits your career goal.

03 · Confirm funding before you enroll
Your navigator can request a written cost projection from CSU and guide you through approval for an Individual Training Account (ITA). Before you register or pay, confirm which costs your local workforce agency has authorized.

04 · Begin your training at CSU
Once CSU receives funding authorization, the Division of Lifelong Learning and Workforce Development will contact you with your start date, instructions for accessing your program, and where to turn for support.

05 · Attend a Workforce Readiness Seminar at CSU
Within the first two months of your enrollment start date, you will be invited to attend a workforce readiness seminar on the CSU campus. Seminar dates and registration details will be provided after enrollment is complete. This is required as part of your CSU certificate.

06 · Register for an externship
After you completed training, if your program includes an externship, contact your student support specialist for registration instructions and placement requirements. Your externship gives you an opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in a workplace setting.

07 · Register for your industry certification exam
After you complete all course work and assessments, register for your industry exam. Choose the third-party certification exam you plan to take from the options available through your program. Confirm that you meet the certifying organization’s eligibility requirements, then follow the instructions provided by your student support specialist to register for your exam. Cost of the exam is included in your Individual Training Account (ITA).

08 · Receive your CSU certificate and digital badge
Once CSU confirms that you’ve registered for both your externship and your industry certification exam, we’ll verify that you’ve completed your training and issue your CSU certificate and digital badge.

Learners typically receive up to eight months to complete their training. This includes six months for course work and an additional two months to study for and complete the industry certification exam.

Note on WIOA Application Status: After CSU receives a cost projection request from OhioMeansJobs and returns the completed information, enrollment approval may take up to three weeks or more. Students should contact the OhioMeansJobs career navigator assisting with their funding application for updates on application status.

Already Working with an OhioMeansJobs Center?

Do you have a career navigator and are you already in the WIOA application process and have been asked to contact Cleveland State University? Please complete and submit the following request for support from CSU.

1. Learner Information

First Name

Middle Initial

Last Name

Address

City/Town

State/Province

ZIP/Postal Code

Email Address

Phone Number

2. Training Information

CSU Training Program

3. OhioMeansJobs Career Advisor

Career Advisor Name

Career Advisor Email

OhioMeansJobs Office / County

4. Learner Participation Agreement

By signing below, I acknowledge and agree to the following requirements associated with my Cleveland State University workforce training enrollment.

Career Readiness and Student Success Workshop

I will attend the required in-person Career Readiness and Student Success Workshop. CSU will provide the workshop schedule and attendance instructions.

Weekly Study Commitment

I will devote approximately 10 to 15 hours per week to coursework, studying, assignments, and preparation for assessments, in addition to any scheduled instruction or practical training. I understand that the time required may vary by program.

Program completion and credentials

I understand that I must satisfy all academic, attendance, and other requirements of my selected training program before receiving a CSU certificate. When my program requires an externship, I must complete that externship. When my program includes an applicable industry certification examination, I must complete any required examination registration steps. A CSU certificate does not, by itself, guarantee an external industry certification or license.

To help coordinate my WIOA-funded training, I authorize Cleveland State University to share relevant enrollment, attendance, progress, and completion information with the OhioMeansJobs career advisor and workforce agency identified above. This authorization is subject to applicable law and CSU policy. I understand that CSU may request additional documentation or a separate consent if required.

6. Acknowledgement and Electronic Signature

I have read and understand the learner participation requirements above, and I agree to comply with them.

Electronic Signature (Sign With Mouse or Touchpad)

Sign above

Electronic Signature (Type Full Legal Name)

Date