Perry Local Schools is proud to announce the receipt of a grant in the amount of $952,335 from the Ohio Department of Education, aimed at expanding career exploration and technical equipment opportunities for our students. This funding will empower students to envision their futures and understand the importance of education to achieve their personal academic and career journey.
“This award allows Perry Local Schools to expand career exploration, technical equipment, and job training credentials so students can envision their future and embrace why school matters for their personal success and dreams,” said Assistant Superintendent Dr. Betty Jo Malchesky who emphasized the district's mission to inspire students to achieve personal excellence and become self-directed, lifelong learners.
The grant will support several innovative initiatives on campus, including:
- Career Clusters for Elementary Students: Young learners will be introduced to various career fields through their science, STEM, and social studies units, guided by the district’s Career Exploration Specialist, Rita Soeder. This early exposure fosters self-awareness and helps students discover their interests.
- Middle School Career Exploration Lab: Middle school students will benefit from interest and aptitude assessments that guide their exploration of careers. They will have opportunities to visit regional career sites and participate in economic simulations. A new Career Exploration Lab will allow students to "try on" different careers, encouraging them to uncover hidden aptitudes and broaden their horizons.
- High School Technology Hub: At Perry High School, an already existing Technology Hub will become an enhanced space where students can pursue certifications in in-demand job fields in the northeast Ohio region such as IT fundamentals, coding, cyber security, and pre-engineering. This aligns educational pathways with regional workforce needs, ensuring that students are prepared for the jobs of the future.
“We are in an exciting era in public schools where funding is braided for students to understand why school matters and to work with staff and community partners to pursue the futures they and their families envision for a vibrant life,” said Malchesky, “It’s an exciting time to lead schools through the vision at Perry which is ‘World-Class Standards and Hometown Pride!’”
For more information about the grant and the initiatives it supports, please contact Dr. Malchesky at MalcheskyB@Perry-Lake.org or at 440-259-9200 EXT. 9202.