“Ohio 4-H professionals are incredibly talented and work hard to provide outstanding programs for youth. We are proud their efforts are recognized nationally.” stated Dr. Kirk Bloir, State 4-H Leader and Assistant Director of Ohio State University Extension.

Ryan has been the 4-H Extension Educator in Champaign County for 18 years. She serves on the state-wide Workforce Development Team, Animal Science Team, and is Treasurer of the Ohio Extension Professionals. She has taught at several state and national conferences and chaperoned multiple Ohio youth on national trips.

Champaign County has 66 county 4-H clubs with 1,764 youth participants and 208 volunteers.

As a result of the collaboration, Mercy Health will cover tuition and other fees for part-time and full-time hospital associates pursuing select clinical pathways such as nursing, medical assistant, and laboratory programs.

Guild Education is based out of Denver and works with companies in order to help manage education assistance programs.

Representatives of Mercy Health stated in a recent news release that the hospital network’s associates will be eligible for that educational assistance on their first day of employment.

Mercy Health plans to will cover tuition assistance and tuition reimbursement for 115 academic programs, undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees, and nursing degrees as part of their new education program.

“We are committed to providing career growth to our associates as they serve our patients,” said Adam Groshans, president of Mercy Health-Springfield.

“Our collaboration with Guild will open many doors for our associates through strategic financial assistance, enabling them to realize their career aspirations and enhancing their ability to care for our communities.”

The hope is that the new education program will also help fill in-demand jobs in the healthcare field, according to the news release.

Overall employment in health care jobs is projected to grow 16% from 2020 to 2030 adding an estimated 2.6 million new jobs, the release from Mercy Health stated.

The new education program is designed to help aid Mercy Health associates in career growth opportunities such as getting degrees or clinical certifications such as in nursing or pharmacy.

Educational pathways that are part of the program will be provided through 16 universities and learning partners with the aid of Guild Education, the release added.

The Criminal Justice program is for students who want to serve the community and have a career in public service. Students develop communication, teamwork, leadership, and human relations skills while learning and implementing patrol protocols and tactics through a variety of simulations. Students also study constitutional law and explore a variety of career opportunities in criminal investigations, forensics, emergency response and security. Certifications for the Criminal Justice program include: CPR/First Aid, OC/Pepper Spray, ASP Baton Certification, Taser Certification, Certified Protection Officer, and ORDC Correctional Officer- Provisional.

In the new Spa Technologies program, students dive into skincare practices, makeup application, hair removal, safety, and infection control practices. The new student-run salon on campus will have a dedicated spa area, allowing students to focus on manicures, pedicures, waxings, and facials for customers. Certifications for the Spa Technologies program include a Nail Tech certification and Esthetician (skin care) license.

The Heavy Equipment Operations program covers a variety of pathways for students. The Heavy Equipment Operations course was the most popular elective for OHP students; therefore, the district transitioned the elective to be a full-time program. Students learn to use and maintain a wide range of modern equipment such as excavators, bobcats, and backhoes under actual working conditions. They’ll also be able to service, troubleshoot, and repair the equipment, making them an appealing hire for employers looking for skilled operators. Certifications for this program include: NCCER Level One Heavy Equipment Operation, NCCER Core, Forklift Certification, and Manlift Certification.

In addition, three one-year programs for seniors are being added including EMT, a Nail Tech Certification, and an Esthetician License program.

“These program additions and changes not only serve the student interest the district has heard and seen over the years, but also prepare students to find immediate employment in these career areas,” said Ohio Hi-Point Assistant Superintendent Brad Richardson. “We are appreciative of the community support we’ve received in establishing these programs for students.”

Additional programs on the Bellefontaine Main Campus include Animal Science, Automotive Academy, Construction Trades, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Diesel Technology, Education Academy, Engineering Academy, Graphic and Media Arts Academy, Health Careers Academy, HVAC-Electric, and Welding and Fabrication.

“Students spend half the school day focused on their career program and half the school day completing their required academic courses,” said Superintendent Dr. Rick Smith. “Our students have the opportunity to graduate with industry-recognized credentials, free college credits, valuable work experience, and a high school diploma. Our staff is focused on preparing our students for whatever their “E” is – employment, enrollment, or enlistment,” finished Smith.

The career programs on Ohio Hi-Point’s Bellefontaine Main Campus are open to incoming high school juniors and seniors. There are limited seats available in each program, and an application is required to be reviewed for admission. Ohio Hi-Point’s application for admission launches on Friday, Nov. 19 and can be found online at www.ohiohipoint.com/apply.

Ohio Hi-Point works with 14 school districts in 5 counties. In addition to career programs on the Main Campus, Ohio Hi-Point also has career programs in our partner districts, called satellite programs, exposing students to career skills at an earlier age.

For more information about programs and Ohio Hi-Point’s partnerships, visit www.ohiohipoint.com.

Sutphen, founded in 1890, is the nation’s largest family-owned and operated fire apparatus manufacturer.

“This new facility will provide an incredible opportunity for our family’s business and for the city of Urbana to grow together,” said Sutphen Corporation President Drew Sutphen, a fourth-generation family member. “For the last 131 years, our family business has worked to build the safest, most reliable fire apparatus in the world. This step will help ensure that our family continues doing the same for the next 131 years.

“This has been our passion for over the last year and a half when we started this project,” Sutphen continued. “I want to thank everyone for coming. Urbana and Champaign County, the community and city officials have really made it happen.”
Other family members also spoke at the ceremony.

“There are very few companies in the country and even the world that have made it into the fourth generations,” said Vice President Julie Phelps Sutphen. “It is about 2 percent or less. It happened by our father, grandfathers and great-grandfathers instilling in all of us a strong family value and work ethic. That has been important for us in the fourth generation to pass to the fifth.”

Local officials have helped shepherd the project along, including city officials.
“I am so excited. This has been a long time coming,” said Urbana Mayor Bill Bean. “I have to thank the Urbana School Board. It is so exciting to work with them on the growth of Urbana. They have done a lot of work with the Champaign Economic Partnership. With Sutphen coming here, along with our other manufacturing, that is our lifeblood. It is wonderful to have the manufacturers that we have.”

“Good things in life don’t just happen,” said U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan. “If you want to accomplish things of meaning and significance that have real lasting value, it takes work, effort and sacrifice. Those are the qualities we celebrate today. This amazing family has been in operation since 1890 and that does not happen very often.”