September 6, 2019

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Stark County's Expanding Career Paths

Stark County educators, business 
and civic leaders are expanding their focus to emphasize that "there are now three pathways to good jobs[1] - the high school pathway, the middle-skills pathway (credential and/or associate degree), and the bachelor's degree (BA) pathway.[2]

The Career Path Less Taken -  a new documentary produced by Ohio's public television stations, CET, ideastream and WOSU Public Media - examines innovative career-tech education programs across Ohio that are preparing young people for the jobs of tomorrow. Blue collar jobs, once low-skilled, have now transformed into "high tech, high skilled, hands-on and well-paid jobs." Strengthening Stark work teams along with the Stark Regional Chamber of Commerce are working with business leaders and talent developers to ensure that Stark is ready to meet these new opportunities. 

Business and industry are interested in what you know and can do - attributes bolstered by career based learning experiences including internships, apprenticeships and/or other high quality specialty training. Stark County is expanding classroom knowledge with hands-on experiences including:
  • Districts are providing opportunities for middle school and high school students to apply math, science and technology concepts through robotics, designing materials with 3D printers, CAD, maker spaces, Genius Project, TomTod Ideas and more.
  • K-12 districts are embracing Project Based Learning that provides hands on experiences with classroom concepts.
  • Stark's six Career Tech Education (CTE) programs are providing significant opportunities for students to explore and excel in pathways to careers that align with their interests and skills.
  • Business and education are increasing interface including program showcases at CTE sites.
  • Investment is increasing in Ohio Means Jobs and the Stark Jobs Platform to support students searching for careers to match their skills and interests.
  • Strengthening Stark will host a spring Stark Shark Tank for students exploring an entrepreneurial idea.
  • Stark State College's "Stopped Out" student outreach encourages those with minimal credits remaining to finish their associate degree.
A report by Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, Three Educational Pathways to Good Jobs, further supports broader visions of focused career and technical high school education as well as education beyond high school. By exploring these new pathways, Stark leadership  is demonstrating their commitment to our county's rich potential for individual and community success.


[1] A good job is one paying a minimum of $35,000 for workers between the ages of 25 and 44 and at least $45,000 for workers between the ages of 45 and 64. Goodjobsdata.org
[2] Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, Three Educational Pathways to Good Jobs: High School, Middle Skills, and Bachelor's Degree. 2018
About the Partnership Long Header
The Stark Education Partnership - a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in Stark County, Ohio -   is a catalyst, engaging and collaborating with education, business, civic and community stakeholders to drive sustainable improvement and innovation to provide all students with education and career success.   

 
Questions or comments? Email septpurses@gmail.com or call 330-452-0829. Visit our website at http://www.edpartner.org