Columbiana ESC Taps Expertise of Business Advisory Council

LISBON – The Columbiana County Educational Service Center, under the direction of Superintendent Anna Marie Vaughn, serves multiple school districts in the county in the areas of curriculum, special education, gifted programs and support services.

In addition to the many work-based learning opportunities provided by the CCESC, many of the agency’s schools have engaged in work-based learning opportunities in the classroom, according to Missy Wellman, public relations director.

One program involves developing a collaborative culture between elementary and middle school teachers and businesses to create a real-world challenge, she says.

These projects are coordinated by the CCESC Business Advisory Council and its partner, SilverApple, which matches teachers with business partners.

One of the priorities for the Columbiana County BAC is to develop a focus on career education in all school districts beginning at an early age.

To accomplish this, the BAC has provided opportunities for all school counselors to participate in training on how to use and navigate the OhioMeans Jobs website.

This has resulted in 100% of the students in Columbiana County having completed the OhioMeans Jobs Career Interest Survey and developing a Backpack before entering high school, Wellman says.

The Business Advisory Council has also initiated the Kids STEAM University to allow pre-K to 5th grade students to have hands-on experiences in career opportunities.

And the BAC has sponsored the Anti-Virus program for all 7th grade students to provide them with a foundation of 21st century skills such as critical thinking, collaboration and ethical behavior.

To build on the many employment opportunities in Columbiana County, members of the BAC and other businesses have opened their doors for tours by students and educators, Wellman says.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.