A consortium of Northeast Ohio school districts led by the Mahoning Valley Educational Services Center has launched a deeply collaborative project to integrate college and career preparation in middle and high school programming.
Less than six months into the project, the Mahoning Valley Prepared for Success program has embedded college/career counselors in the partner schools; convened early college planning and design teams; and begun educator training programs in problem-based learning and strategies to engage trauma-impacted youth. Each of these strategies is aligned to better support students as they prepare for life after high school.
Project leaders recognized the importance of connecting high school curriculum to college and careers. At their very first planning sessions, the design teams engaged with representatives from Youngstown State University, local business Brilex Industries, and their regional chamber of commerce. Check out local news coverage here.
EnvisionEdPlus is proud to be a partner in securing the $900,000 Ohio Straight A grant that is supporting this work, as well as to provide support in planning, professional development and technical assistance for implementation. Congratulations to partner districts Austintown, Campbell, Canfield, Columbiana, Mahoning County Career Technical Center, Poland, Springfield, and Struthers on the launch of their initiative. We look forward to seeing how deep regional collaboration leads to great opportunities for students and young adults throughout the valley.