The $100 Million Investment Revolutionizing Ohio's Future Workforce

"This was a a really strong convening then for employers and education to to better communicate and then plan on how to improve that connectivity between graduating students and employment."

We welcome guest experts John Hambrick, Work-Based Learning Coordinator at the Educational Service Center (ESC) of Central Ohio, and Lauren Stowe Jones, Senior Director of K-12 Partnerships at Columbus State Community College.

John Hambrick, who moved to Columbus in 1998, transitioned from a background in education and restaurant industry work into non-profit roles, ultimately leading him to his current position in workforce development at ESC of Central Ohio. The Educational Service Center serves 30 member school districts across eight counties, working to bridge the gap between K-12 education and industry needs.

Lauren Stowe Jones started her educational journey as a 7th-grade teacher in Boston but returned to Central Ohio due to high living costs. She joined Columbus State Community College, where she worked on reforming developmental education to reduce the need for remedial courses. Presently, she oversees 10,000 high school students taking college credit courses through the College Credit Plus program. This significant initiative offers free college courses to high school students, impacting their educational pathways.

Both guests emphasize preparing students for future job markets by aligning educational programs with evolving industry demands in Central Ohio. They highlight dual enrollment and teacher education programs as critical strategies. Lauren discusses how dual enrollment influences teaching demographics and necessitates changes in teacher preparation to deploy educators quickly and support their continuous development. John highlights Ohio's emphasis on expanding registered apprenticeship programs, especially to address teacher shortages, and mentions the creation of teacher academies in school districts as pre-apprenticeships.

Ohio's alternative licensure models are also a focal point, creating pathways for veterans and industry professionals to enter teaching roles. John outlines significant state funding to support education, including a $100 million investment from the Ohio legislature for career technical education equipment and workforce boot camps. While the full impact of these initiatives on students remains to be seen, the guests express optimism about creating more informed and prepared students.

The conversation turns to the integration of technology, particularly the role of AI, in education. AI is viewed as a complement to traditional teaching methods rather than a replacement. Teachers will need to adapt, and educational policies will have to guide the use of AI in schools. Community involvement is also essential, with partnerships between colleges, businesses, and economic development sectors shaping educational messages and providing resources.

Educational innovation is discussed, including the creation of innovation labs equipped with VR, 3D printers, and augmented reality tools. These efforts aim to provide equitable access to technology for all students. Programs like the Intel project highlight economic development activities, with a need to communicate future manufacturing and economic opportunities to the community. Columbus State has introduced career educators focused on in-demand industries and developed tailored educational materials for various audiences to spread awareness about regional career opportunities.

Partnerships with economic development partners are crucial to bring business insights into the educational realm, helping prepare students for new career pathways. Emerging technologies, smart mobility, and connected technology in Central Ohio are also highlighted, with resources provided by entities like the Department of Transportation and DriveOhio. Columbus State’s advanced training center in New...