The grant is written as a joint proposal between the University of Cincinnati (lead applicant), its Branch Campuses, Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, the College of Mount St. Joseph, Shawnee State University, and Rio Grande Community College. The plan is based on close cooperation between the educational institutions, Cincinnati USA Chamber of Commerce as well as TechSolve. The grant capitalizes on more than 2,000 existing co-op / internship employer relations, as well as on the combined 3,000 company membership of the Chamber and TechSolve.