Columbus City Schools Aims to Enhance Career Exploration Programs with New Google Grant

January 31, 2023 -- Columbus City Schools is on a mission to create new career exploration opportunities for students. Thanks to a $100,000 grant awarded from Google, the District is transforming career-technical education (CTE) pathways for middle schoolers.

“As educators and leaders, we recognize the importance of preparing students for career opportunities waiting for them after graduation, and it’s important they’re exposed to these opportunities at an early age,” said Columbus City Schools Interim Superintendent/CEO Dr. Angela Chapman. “We know our city has a growing demand for IT and health care professions, and this investment from Google will provide our middle school students with valuable experience as they make decisions about their education and future careers."

In recent years, Central Ohio has seen a rapid expansion in healthcare and information technology-related careers. This grant-funded initiative aims to allow students to learn from and work alongside industry leaders. These unique work and project-based learning programs will aid students as they design personalized career maps to help them visualize their path to success. 

“Workforce development is more than talking about careers,” Dr. Chapman added. “We’re giving CCS students a head start in today's rapidly changing workforce and taking the work of our CTE program to new heights.”

The District currently offers more than 40 CTE programs at the high school level, including new programs in the fields of IT, Engineering, Bioscience Technology, and Manufacturing. The investment from Google allows CCS to create an earlier introduction to upper-level programs and give students a head start honing technical skills and working towards industry credentials. 

"Today's students will face future challenges we couldn't possibly predict today," said Amber Tillman, Head of Data Center Economic and Community Development for Google, "Encouraging CTE pathways for Columbus students will ensure they're a step ahead and prepared for the workforce of tomorrow."

Columbus City Schools is committed to implementing postsecondary-aligned initiatives, including the introduction of the new career field exploration program. CCS will continue to invest in strategies and partnerships that enable students to achieve their full potential in the constantly evolving workforce.

To learn more about Career-Technical Education programs in Columbus City Schools, visit www.ccsoh.us/CTE.