A regional effort to bring schools and employers closer together has earned statewide recognition.
The Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center Business Advisory Council has received a Three-Star Business-Education Leader Award from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, recognizing its work building partnerships between education, business and community organizations. The award honors Business Advisory Councils that create career-focused opportunities and help students develop the skills and experience needed for life after graduation.
Amy Wood accepted the award on behalf of Mid-Ohio ESC alongside Ohio Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel and Jeremy Varner, deputy director of Career-Technical Education and Workforce.
Building Career Pathways Across Three Counties
The Mid-Ohio ESC Business Advisory Council works with partners throughout Crawford, Morrow and Richland counties to connect students with potential career pathways and employers. Those efforts include helping students learn about career opportunities, earn industry-recognized credentials and develop skills sought by Ohio employers.
Superintendent Kevin D. Kimmel said the recognition reflects the strength of the relationships that have developed among schools, businesses and community organizations throughout the region.
“This recognition is a testament to the strength of the partnerships we have built between our schools, businesses and community organizations,” Kimmel said. “At Mid-Ohio ESC, we believe that preparing students for success extends beyond the classroom, and our Business Advisory Council plays a vital role in connecting education with real-world career opportunities.”
Kimmel also credited council members, school leaders and business partners, as well as Wood’s leadership of the Business Advisory Council.
“Their collective commitment and collaboration continue to create meaningful pathways that help students thrive while strengthening the future workforce across Crawford, Morrow and Richland counties,” he said.
Serving More Than 20,000 Students
Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center provides specialized academic and support services to 13 school districts serving more than 20,000 students across the three-county area. Its services include curriculum support, gifted and special education consultation, speech pathology, psychology, special education instruction, occupational therapy and physical therapy. The Three-Star award adds statewide recognition to another part of that mission: helping schools connect what students learn in the classroom with the opportunities awaiting them in the regional workforce.