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U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.9 Million to Support Manufacturers and Boost Workforce Training in Oklahoma

Contact: EDA Public Affairs Department, (202) 482-4085
September 20, 2016


WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker today announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding $1.9 million in grants in Oklahoma to provide business and technical support to manufacturing and service companies; and to purchase critical equipment needed to boost workforce training opportunities in the medical sector.

“Supporting innovation in U.S. manufacturing and ensuring that our workers have the skills our businesses need are top priorities for the Economic Development Administration,” said Secretary Pritzker. “The EDA grants announced today will accelerate the growth of Oklahoma manufacturing firms and guarantee that the state’s medical workers are trained using state-of-the-art equipment.”

The EDA investments are:

  • The Oklahoma Center for Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST) in Oklahoma City will receive $1 million to provide business and technical support to Oklahoma manufacturing and service companies to help them diversify their products and expand sales globally. The proposed project is expected to create higher-wage jobs by restructuring business models and targeting new markets.
  • Oklahoma State University in Oklahoma City will receive a $940,000 grant to provide state-of-the-art teaching equipment for the new Allied Health facility. The new equipment will support efforts to train students in fields including nurse science, diagnostic medical sonography, health care administration, and dietetic technology. According to the grantee, the new equipment will allow annual program enrollment to expand from 28 to 40 students.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth. To learn more about EDA, visit www.eda.gov.