CINCINNATI (Sept. 3, 2026) – United Way of Greater Cincinnati is proud to announce the Year III grantees of the Future of Manufacturing Fund, established in partnership with the GE Aerospace Foundation. Six organizations were selected for their leadership in addressing critical gaps in the advanced manufacturing workforce and their proven, innovative approaches to scaling impact.
“It’s energizing to see employers, educators and community partners working together to create clear pathways to good careers,” said Moira Weir, President and CEO, United Way of Greater Cincinnati. “As this year’s grantees build on progress from previous years, they’re preparing more people for opportunities in a growing industry and helping build the skilled workforce our region needs to thrive.”
The Future of Manufacturing Fund, established by the GE Aerospace Foundation in 2024 through a $1 million grant, is designed to expand high-quality workforce development to meet rising demand in the aviation and advanced manufacturing sectors. In Years I and II combined, the partnership helped expose 13,255 individuals to advanced manufacturing careers.
Year III builds on earlier investments in career awareness, credentialing and employer partnerships by helping more people complete advanced manufacturing training, transition into employment, internships or apprenticeships, and build long-term careers in the advanced manufacturing industry.
“The impact we’ve seen through the Future of Manufacturing Fund over the last two years is a testament to the power of community partnerships and a shared commitment to skill development,” said Meghan Thurlow, GE Aerospace Foundation President. “As we begin Year III, we’re excited to support leaders like these grantees that are opening doors to opportunity and helping more people build rewarding careers in advanced manufacturing.”
The Future of Manufacturing Fund Year III grantees are:
- Advanced Manufacturing Industry Partnership’s Manufacturing Education Expansion Initiative – Connects adult job seekers to manufacturing training, career coaching and employment.
- Cincinnati State – Strengthens stackable manufacturing pathways through student support, instructor development and hands-on career exploration.
- Gateway Community & Technical College – Expands welding training capacity for high school students and adult learners.
- LEAD Training – Prepares high school students for manufacturing careers through credentialing, coaching and work- based learning.
- Miami University Hamilton – Provides accelerated technical training that prepares new and current workers for manufacturing careers and advancement.
- UC Clermont College – Expands hands-on training and industry-recognized credentialing in manufacturing engineering, robotics and automation.
About the GE Aerospace Foundation
The GE Aerospace Foundation, an independent charitable organization funded by GE Aerospace, complements the company’s purpose to “lift people up” in communities where employees live and work around the world. The Foundation’s philanthropic strategy and programs focus on engineering education, workforce development, and disaster relief. We also support GE Aerospace employees through programs such as Matching Gifts and Star Awards. When GE Aerospace launched as an independent company in 2024, the GE Foundation was relaunched as the GE Aerospace Foundation, commencing a new chapter that builds on the successful, 100+ year legacy of the previous GE Foundation. Learn more at www.geaerospace.com/company/philanthropy.
