Special to 1808Delaware
Buckeye Valley Local School District, Delaware City School District, and the ESC of Central Ohio recently announced a partnership with BridgED to bridge the gap between K-12 education and the business community.
BridgED, the consulting company, built by corporate engagement professionals in academia, strives to solve the fundamental challenges of helping companies and districts work together. Through this partnership, the districts will create opportunities for students to receive career path exposure, workforce development, internships, and so much more.
“Buckeye Valley is excited to partner with BridgED and elevate our 2020 and Beyond Strategic Plan. We are actively expanding options to increase workforce readiness and providing student access to community-based learning experiences and partnerships. We are committed to serving as a partner with Central Ohio businesses as our region strives to recruit and maintain a highly skilled and motivated workforce,” said Brian Orrenmaa, Director of Academic Achievement.
Through the partnership, BridgED will connect the district with almost a dozen Delaware County and Central Ohio businesses that have an interest in supporting education and a desire to fulfill workplace needs. The companies represent a diverse range of industries to ensure students, teachers and parents know what’s available in the marketplace and how to best prepare for future opportunities. For example, the Buckeye Valley and Delaware city program will infuse teacher externships, work-based learning, parent communication, career days, classroom engagement, capstone programs and more.
Dr. Tom Goodney, superintendent of Educational Service Center of Central Ohio, serves the needs of member districts in eight counties, including Buckeye Valley and Delaware City schools. As an organization that fills the gaps for teachers, students and parents, he’s aware of beneficial outcomes that arise when schools and community organization work together to support learning.
“Education is about preparing students for life after high school, and that includes giving them exposure to career opportunities. The earlier they can learn about different fields, necessary qualifications, and opportunities for advancement, the more likely they are to succeed earlier in life,” said Dr. Goodney. “BridgED is a valuable program that will undoubtedly enhance the educational experience at Buckeye Valley, Delaware City and other partner districts.”
