JumpStart a success

SANDUSKY — On March 19, Firelands Forward — along with our partners at Erie County Economic Development Corp., Norwalk Economic Development Corp. and Huron County Ohio Means Jobs — hosted the first Senior JumpStart Expo. Firelands Forward is a workforce development movement dedicated to finding innovative workforce solutions in the Firelands region. Senior JumpStart utilized the scientifically proven career aptitude assessment, YouScience test, to place participating high school seniors in career cluster panels based on their aptitude. JumpStart was designed as a four-hour, virtual conference in which students would hear from and interact with professionals from the careers they had tested highly in. The event had local representatives from the following career clusters: • Agriculture, food and natural resources • Architecture and construction • Arts, audio-and-video technology and communications • Business administration • Distribution, transportation and logistics • Education and training • Finance • Government and public administration • Health sciences • Hospitality and tourism • Human services • Information technology • Law enforcement and public safety • Manufacturing • Marketing • STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) careers Senior JumpStart was designed to connect high school seniors with professionals in the Firelands based on their career aptitudes. With over 300 students participating from 13 high schools in our region, and over 40 professionals engaging with the students, I would say our first attempt was a success. Local students praised the event. Jayce Killian, a St. Mary's senior stated, "It was nice to see the different career opportunities in the area. COVID has stopped us from exploring all of our options, so JumpStart was a nice way to see what jobs are available and what skills we will need in the future." Ben Skavnak, a Sandusky High School senior stated, "The YouScience test and the JumpStart panels were a very educating experience about not only myself but potential careers I could have in the future." Educators from local schools also had high praise for JumpStart. Brandy Bennett the Global Internship Coordinator for Sandusky High School said, "I had the opportunity to pilot YouScience with my students and have them attend the JumpStart presentation. This was an incredible opportunity for students as it not only provided insight into their career strengths but also allowed them to connect with local community members involved in a corresponding career field. I would highly recommend this program to anyone who is trying to guide students to successful career paths." Meagan Howman, a counselor from St. Mary's stated, "JumpStart is a great opportunity for business and education to connect. Our community needs a healthy business and education collaboration to ensure that the next generation of workers are ready for the 'real world' and that businesses understand the workers that they will employ in the near future. Students were able to see the variety of options the North Coast offers, which is important as they make decisions on their next step in life. Overall, JumpStart was a great event." Questions and comments about Senior JumpStart and other workforce solutions should be forwarded to Alex Jones at alex@firelandsforward.com or 419.624.6866.