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.

MCCESC provides educational services for the counties’ most vulnerable children. Dr. Kaffenbarger has worked with his administrative team over the past several years to establish a mission of “We Work to Serve,” and the staff does just that.

Using the STAR of customer service (Serving others, Teamwork, Attitude, Reliability), supervisors within the agency work to encourage their teachers, paraprofessionals, nurses, and many others to exude a servant’s heart.

Dr. K was most recently named the Outstanding Superintendent by the Southwest Region of the Ohio School Boards Association. His excellent performance is demonstrated through the hard work he puts forth on a daily basis to support the requests and needs of the nine districts and two career-tech centers served by MCCESC. Dr. K holds monthly meetings for superintendents – one for Madison County and one for Champaign County. He holds quarterly meetings for area principals and serves on the Business Advisory Council, Kiwanis, and the Family Children First Council, along with being a leader within his church.

About LifeChanger of the Year

Sponsored by the National Life Group Foundation, LifeChanger of the Year recognizes and rewards the very best K-12 educators and school district employees across the United States who are making a difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence and leadership.

Each school year, LifeChanger of the Year receives hundreds of nominations from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Eighteen individual LifeChanger of the Year awards will be given during the 2021-2022 school year.

1 Grand Prize Winner – will receive $10,000 to be shared with their school/district.

4 Grand Prize Finalists – will receive $5,000 to be shared with their school/district.

10 LifeChanger Award Winners – will receive $3,000 to be shared with their school/district.

1 Spirit Award Winner – This award is given to the nominee whose community demonstrates the most support for their nomination. The winner will receive $5,000 to be shared with their school/district.

1 Capstone Award Winner – This award is given to a nominee retiring at the
end of the 2019-20 school year. The winner will receive $3,000 to be shared with their school or district.

1 Spotlight Award Winner – This award is given to a nominee in a specific discipline each year.

For 2021-22, the Spotlight Award will be given to a school nurse. The winner will receive $5,000 to be shared with their school or district.

Winners are chosen by a selection committee comprised of former winners and education professionals. Nominees must be K-12 teachers or school district employees. To be considered for an award, nominees must make a positive impact in the lives of students; enhance their school or district’s atmosphere, culture and pride; demonstrate exemplary leadership at the school and/or district level; possess a proven record of professional excellence; show commitment to building a nurturing environment that supports learning; adhere to the highest moral and ethical standards.

A resource page with ideas for how to celebrate nominees can be found at http://lifechangeroftheyear.com/showspirit/.

To view Dr. Kaffenbarger’s LifeChanger of the Year nominee profile, or to nominate someone from your school community, visit www.LifeChangeroftheYear.com.