County Business Advisory Council receives state recognition
Gov. Mike DeWine on Wednesday recognized the business advisory council helmed by the Ashtabula County Technical and Career Campus.
All Ohio school districts and educational service centers have a business advisory council, which consists of school, business and community leaders, according to a press release from DeWine's office. The councils work to ensure students' educational opportunities align with local and state workforce needs.
The Ashtabula County Technical and Career Center council received a three-star Business Advisory Council Excellence Award, according to the release.
'We're really excited to see our Business Advisory Council earn the three star designation,' A-Tech Superintendent Scott Wludyga said in an email. 'It's really a tribute to the collaboration between the businesses and all of the schools in Ashtabula County.'
He said the A-Tech BAC is the host council for the Ashtabula Area City Schools, Ashtabula County Educational Service Center, Buckeye Local Schools, Conneaut Area City Schools, Geneva Area City Schools, Grand Valley Local Schools, Jefferson Area Local Schools, and Pymatuning Valley Area Local Schools.
'We're proud to see the BAC advance to a three-star recognition after earning two stars a year ago,' Wludyga said. 'One example of what we've done includes the suggestion from businesses to expand middle school computer classes. Schools in the county are meeting and exceeding that.
'We're also proud of the Inspire for Educators program, in which teachers have a chance to tour businesses around the county to see the great things our manufacturers are doing and the skills required for these in-demand jobs. That program is made possible through a partnership with Ashtabula County Job and Family Services and LEADERShip Ashtabula.'
By working together, the BAC is expanding opportunities for students in the county, Wludyga said.
He said the BAC is encouraging more businesses to participate in the initiative. Anyone interested can call 440-576-6015 or email scott.wludyga@atech.edu.
'Ohio's Business Advisory Councils play a vital role in ensuring Ohio's students are equipped with the skills and experiences they need to succeed in today's workforce and reach their full potential,' DeWine said in the release. 'By connecting educators and business leaders, these councils create pathways that bridge classroom learning with real-world career opportunities. We are proud to recognize councils that are leading the way in this important work, setting an example for others across the state, and positioning students for meaningful careers.'
The local BAC consists of superintendents of the local school districts, the dean of Kent State University Ashtabula, and representatives from a variety of local businesses and non-profits.
'Whether it's agriculture, STEM fields, manufacturing, technology, and beyond, different parts of our state are great at different things and have unique workforce needs,' Lt. Governor Jim Tressel said in the release. 'A top-notch Business Advisory Council is a critical tool in Ohio's Workforce Playbook.
'By getting local business leaders talking with school leaders, we can focus on developing students in the skillsets that make their area of the state special. This will lead to special results as we continue to develop our workforce across Ohio.'
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