The STEP II Program has obtained a continuation grant from the Ohio Department of Development to recruit 12 disadvantaged, chronically unemployed individuals and graduate them with a certificate in tooling and machining. The $60,000 grant will fund tuition, books, lab fees, materials, and counseling for a two-year period.

At the end of its first year, seven students began the program. Six students are employed in the tooling and machining field. Five graduated in June 1994. In 1995, 70 students were selected and 65 began the program. Forty-four students graduated in June 1995. Sixty-two are working in the trade. To date, seven new minority students have enrolled: one has graduated, one is employed, and one is returning.