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.

Champaign County businesses are struggling to find enough qualified, skilled employees to fill job openings. And local students need the education and skills to prepare for these in-demand career opportunities.

Local business and school representatives are working together to address both sides of this equation through the Champaign Business Advisory Council (BAC). The BAC complements workforce development efforts of the Champaign Economic Partnership, CEP Director Marcia Bailey said.

The Champaign-Madison Educational Service Center (ESC) formed the BAC about three years ago when a new state law called for school districts to form BACs, to build relationships between businesses and schools. The local BAC includes representatives of the five county school districts, Ohio Hi-Point Career Center, the ESC, local businesses, and Ashley Cook, business liaison for the CEP.

Businesses active in the BAC are primarily in manufacturing, but the BAC is inviting more types of businesses to get involved, said Jill O’Neal, a BAC member and human resources manager for Weidmann Electrical Technology in Urbana.

“We welcome more business leaders to attend to provide their input in local workforce needs and how to enhance school curriculum to prepare students,” O’Neal said.

Scott DeLong, president of Champaign Residential Services Inc. (CRSI), has become an active member. He wants to help address the need for qualified job candidates in human services and health care. “I’m excited about the work we’re doing, and hopefully we can keep more students in the community after graduation.”

The BAC meets quarterly, with 2019 meetings scheduled at 1 p.m.

June 26 at Bundy Baking Solutions, Sept. 5 at Champaign Residential Services Inc. and Dec. 5 at Graham High School.

O’Neal said that the BAC includes three active subcommittees: · Business Relations, to strengthen the working relationship between businesses and schools · Workforce Development, to address current and future workforce needs in the county · Curriculum Development, to develop educational programs in local schools to prepare students for in-demand careers after graduation Dan Kaffenbarger, ESC superintendent, said, “The BAC creates a line of communication and collaboration between the schools and businesses.

Our short-term goal is to inform older students about job opportunities in the county. For the longer term, we’re looking at middle school and early high school students, to help them develop soft skills (such as work ethic and critical thinking) and provide curriculum that will give them the competitive advantage that employers are looking for.”

Businesses leaders interested in learning more about the BAC may call Kaffenbarger at the ESC, 937-484-1557.

Ashley Cook, Ohio Hi-Point’s new supply chain management instructor at Urbana High School, will serve as the business liaison 10 hours a week. She will coordinate activities that bring educators, students and manufacturers together.

Cook, who will report to Bailey in her role as business liaison, is an Urbana High School graduate and in 2016 received a bachelor’s in organizational leadership from Wright State University. Before becoming supply chain management instructor, she recruited students from 14 partner schools for Ohio Hi-Point’s main campus in Bellefontaine, launched the school’s first online application and led Hi-Point’s Student Ambassador program.

“Ashley will visit manufacturers to see what their workforce needs are, and she’ll be going to the schools to help make sure their curriculum is where it needs to be to prepare students for career opportunities,” Deb Wortman, Ohio Hi-Point satellite director, said.

Cook adds that she will help manufacturers spread the word to schools about internships and job shadowing opportunities, advertise open positions, and help coordinate job fairs, open houses and other activities where students can learn about career opportunities in local manufacturing.
​
In her roles as instructor and business liaison, Cook said, “I look forward to being in the business world and working with students to prepare them for successful careers.”