Cambridge, OH – The East Central Ohio Educational Service Center (ECOESC) is proud to announce that it has been awarded a significant grant to serve as the FY24-25 Ohio Tech Prep Regional Center for the Southeast region. This grant, provided by the Ohio Department of Education in collaboration with the Ohio Department of Higher Education, is a testament to the ECOESC’s continuing commitment to help schools help students by establishing expanded access to career-technical education.

The Ohio Tech Prep Regional Centers initiative aims to bridge the gap between education and the workforce, equipping students with the necessary skills to succeed in a rapidly evolving job market. With the generous funding secured, ECOESC will collaborate with education partners in the Southeast Region to increase student access to quality career-technical education pathways that provide opportunities to earn college credit while in high school. The Southeast Region covers 25 counties.

“Receiving this grant is a tremendous honor for the East Central Ohio Educational Service Center,” said Jeremy Vittek, Executive Director of Workforce Development and Student Wellness at the ECOESC. “We are excited about the opportunities this funding will create for our students, enabling them to thrive in the competitive workforce of the future.”

The ECOESC will collaborate with local educational institutions, employers, and community organizations to help develop robust, industry-aligned curricula that respond to the needs of the regional job market. The program will focus on preparing students for high-demand fields such as advanced manufacturing, information technology, healthcare, and other emerging industries.

The Ohio Tech Prep Regional Centers will also promote partnerships with local businesses and industries, providing students with internships, apprenticeships, and hands-on learning opportunities. This holistic approach to education ensures that students graduate with practical experience and the skills sought after by employers.