Bridging Education and Employment: The Power of Hands-On Learning at Perry Local Schools

Perry Local School District is a suburban community in Lake County, Ohio, with a population of approximately 8,800 residents and a median household income roughly 20% higher than the state average. This stable, community-focused environment provides the perfect backdrop for the district’s innovative approach to career-ready education.

A Legacy of Success and Growth

Perry Local Schools has partnered with EnvisionEdPlus since 2019 for professional development and grant writing. These efforts have secured more than $4.1 million in grants, fueling 21st Century Community Learning Centers, pre-apprenticeship programs, and career-ready pathways.

The results speak for themselves: Perry High School has seen a staggering 504% increase in students earning industry-recognized credentials before graduation—a growth rate that significantly outpaces the already impressive state average of 419%. But before students ever start down career paths, the district has them complete the YouScience assessment so they can become familiar with their own interests and aptitudes. This tool then helps staff guide students as they begin career exploration. 

Reinventing “Shop Class”

Eight years ago, Perry redefined traditional vocational training by purchasing a vacant home in the community. This wasn’t just a renovation project; it was the birth of a sustainable construction program that is operated without Career Technical Education (CTE) funding. 

• The Cycle: Students learn skilled trades by fully renovating a house. Once completed, the district sells the home and reinvests the proceeds into a new property. It typically takes students about two years to complete a home renovation, which offers students ample time to practice their skills. 
• The Experience: The former shop teacher now helps students learn about the trades, hands-on, every day. When specific licensed professionals are needed, such as a plumber or electrician, he brings them to the site to teach students and ensure the work is done properly.  During our visit to the third home project, it was fascinating to watch students install siding with almost no adult intervention, demonstrating true mastery of their craft.

Diverse Pathways and On-Site Expertise

Perry High School offers four distinct career pathways featuring hands-on learning in Welding, Fabrication, Home Renovation, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Tech Hub, and Automation. A standout feature of these programs is the deep integration with higher education. Rita Soeder, Career Exploration Specialist, noted that the welding and CNA programs are taught right on the Perry campus by faculty from Lake Erie College and Lakeland Community College, allowing students to earn college credit, participate in work-based learning, and industry credentials simultaneously.

Investing in the Future: Middle and High School Labs

Our tour showcased the district’s newest high-tech investments funded through recent grant wins.

• Engineering Hub: High school students now utilize over $1 million in Universal Robots equipment and training to hone their engineering and robotics skills.
• Middle School Career Exploration Lab: At Perry Middle School, the new Paxton Patterson College and Career Ready Lab is introducing career exploration to younger students. Teacher John Grdina shared how this lab is taking exploration to new heights for middle schoolers.

Partnership as a Way of Life

Success at Perry is driven by community connection. Through the tireless work of Mrs. Soeder and the entire Perry team, the district has cultivated robust partnerships with local industry leaders, including:

• Healthcare: Tri-Point Health, University Hospital
• Industry & Trades: Lincoln Electric, Joining Metal, Middlefield Tools, Big Rig, and the Crane Truck Operators Union, Alliance Working Together