Amanda Ford

This Business Advisory Council Plan outlines the strategies for equipping students with relevant and in-demand employment skills for college, careers, and military service. The plan focuses on advising, supporting, and empowering educators to bridge the gap between academic preparation and the business world, with the ultimate vision of a well-prepared workforce contributing to the economic development and improved quality of life in the Mahoning Valley region. Key strategic areas include developing professional skills for future careers through programs like YouScience and mock interviews, building partnerships with local businesses and other educational entities, and coordinating diverse career exploration experiences such as skilled trades expos, various pre-apprenticeship programs, and job shadowing opportunities.

The Educational Service Center of Eastern Ohio's Business Advisory Council Plan for 2024-2025 outlines strategies to prepare students for college, careers, and military service by developing in-demand employment skills. The plan is structured around three core practices: developing professional skills for future careers, building strategic partnerships, and coordinating real-world experiences. Key initiatives include aptitude testing (YouScience), mock interview boot camps, career exploration courses (including virtual reality), entrepreneurship programs, various pre-apprenticeship pathways (Information Technology, 5G, Building Trades), skilled trades expos, and job shadowing. The overarching vision is to foster a well-prepared workforce that contributes to the economic development and improved quality of life throughout the Mahoning Valley region.

This Joint Statement from the Educational Service Center of Eastern Ohio Business Advisory Council reports on the successful accomplishment of its 2024 goals, achieving a score of 10 out of 10. The statement details various initiatives aimed at enhancing student career readiness and skill development, including the Mahoning Valley Skilled Trades Expo, Mock Interview Boot Camp, Building Trades Pre-Apprenticeship, Career Exploration Bus Tour, Career Exploration Courses, Job Shadowing Experiences, social media engagement, and Information Technology and 5G Pre-Apprenticeships. It identifies challenges such as transportation and student motivation, while also highlighting new partnerships established in SY24 and newly added goals like virtual reality career exploration and a building trades competition.

The Board of Education held a meeting to discuss the Restart Plan. They reviewed survey data from parents and staff, which influenced the planning, particularly regarding COVID testing and temperature checks. The plan includes options for in-person learning, remote learning, or a hybrid approach, with a commitment requested from families for at least nine weeks of online learning. Key measures include temperature checks, desk barriers, enhanced cleaning, and mobile hand sanitizer stations. The board also discussed protocols for wind instruments, the possibility of remote learning, and locker usage.

The plan focuses on providing K-12 students with meaningful career exploration opportunities, aligning curriculum with workforce demands, and building partnerships with local businesses. Key initiatives include career exploration courses, pre-apprenticeship programs, career day events, job shadowing, and work-based learning placements. The ultimate goal is to prepare students for college, careers, and military service, while strengthening the regional workforce pipeline and meeting the evolving needs of industries across multiple counties.