Project-Based Learning
Concept
The Career Institute is focused on Project-Based Learning and Meaningful Workplace Experiences for students in Richland County, Ohio. Currently, the program is focused on High School Students in the form of after school programs/clubs, summer activities with a faculty or professional advisor, internship, and job shadowing opportunities. The Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development works to partner with local businesses to create worksites and project content for this program.
The Career Institute Program is designed as a portal to promote career exploration and business practices education in students by placing them directly into the environment. The students will participate in real-life business solution development. This program differs from CTE because it is not focused on developing a hard skill (STNA, Welding, Automotive Tech) – but focused on exposing the students to a variety of businesses and their activities over the course of the semester/year.
Project-Based Learning &
Business Project Experiences
As a participant in the Career Institute Project-Based Learning and Business Project Experiences, the students will be assigned to a Solutions Team. This team will spend up to 16 hours on-site at an industry classroom. While in that classroom, students will be guided through a problem-solving process by a faculty member and/or a member of the staff of the business (Lean, Root Cause, A3, SWOT, etc). After the 6-week period, the team will report back to the business on the solutions they have developed within their process.
Internships &
Job Shadowing
Utilizing www.communityopportunity.com as a connector, the Career Institute assists students with creating a career-seeker profile. Local employers post opportunities to the Community Opportunity website, and students are able to explore the characteristics of local employers and their opportunities. Students can apply directly to posted Internships, Job Shadowing Opportunities, Part-Time, or even Full-Time work.
Characteristics
The Career Institute works to pair students who are interested in seasonal summer work, with employers who are participating in the Richland Job and Family Services Summer Youth Employment Program. By working together, we aim to create a large variety of opportunities for young people to acquire gainful summer employment, explore career opportunities, and participate in Richland County’s economic community.