What if every high school student earned an industry-recognized credential aligned to a career pathway, some college credit and a high school diploma upon graduation? Imagine the strength of our workforce and the opportunities for our youth! As of fall 2017, that can become a Stark reality.

Stark State College, along with the Stark County Educational Service Center (SCESC), recently introduced a targeted College Credit Plus (CCP) program called Learn to Earn. Being a strong partner in CCP since the start, Stark State College is expanding opportunities previously experienced by only traditional college-bound learners. 

The pathways - developed in collaboration with the SCESC, school districts, area employers and the Ohio Department of Education -  not only prepare students to be career ready, they also help them earn points needed for graduation.  Learn to Earn links high school students to in-demand careers in Stark County through CCP/certificate pathways which meet industry-recognized credentials and 2018 high school graduation requirements.  

 

There are five Learn to Earn pathways, four are job/career specific, while the Microsoft Office option fills a broader need voiced by area businesses. "No matter which career pathway - health, education, business, or industry - local employers have expressed their preference to hire  employees with strong technology skills that students would gain with Microsoft Office certification," said Dr. Teresa Purses, President of Stark Education Partnership.

All of the Learn to Earn CCP options are currently aligned with the Ohio Department of Education Industry Credential and Workforce Readiness Graduation Pathway.  

Students need to enroll this spring for participation in the fall classes.