Grants and Special Projects
Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center (ESC) is committed to driving innovation and enhancing educational opportunities through a variety of grant-funded initiatives and special projects. Our dedicated team works collaboratively with school districts, businesses, and community partners to implement programs that make a meaningful impact on student outcomes and career readiness.
Business Advisory Council (BAC)
The Mid-Ohio ESC Business Advisory Council (BAC) serves as a collaborative partnership between businesses, educators, and community leaders across Richland, Morrow, and Crawford counties. Our mission is to foster a robust relationship between education and the workforce by enhancing communication, fostering strategic partnerships, and emphasizing workforce readiness, leadership development, and civic engagement for all students in our region. Recognized for our high standards and exceptional performance, our Business Advisory Council was honored with a prestigious 3-Star Rating of Excellence by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce in 2024. This rigorous rating, just shy of the highest 4-star rating, reflects our commitment to excellence in fostering education and business partnerships. Action Teams in Richland, Morrow, and Crawford Counties where they co-create and carry out the Council’s work. These efforts focus on three quality practices: building business-education partnerships, developing professional skills for future careers, and coordinating career-related activities for students. Programs listed below are the result of the Business Advisory Council’s collaborative work.
For more information regarding the Business Advisory Council click the link below.
Workforce Academy Pre-Apprenticeship Program (est. 2023)
The Workforce Academy Registered Pre-Apprenticeship Program equips students with the essential skills and knowledge that employers and colleges value most. During the program, students gain mastery of 14 critical career proficiencies, ranging from reliability and work ethic to digital technology and intercultural fluency. By participating in this program, students develop a robust transition portfolio, explore advanced manufacturing and construction career paths through simulations, job shadowing and hands-on experiences, and receive personalized guidance to ensure a successful transition into a Registered Apprenticeship, the workforce, or higher education.
Turbo Cert (est. 2024)
Gabe McCready, IST President, presented a donated FANUC robot to MOESC.
Pictured L-R: Kevin Kimmel, MOESC Superintendent; Amy Wood, MOESC Director of Grants & Special Projects; Kalin Wilburn, MOESC Grant Manager; Gabe McCready, IST President.
Turbo Cert aims to equip students with industry-recognized credentials that boost their skills, employability, and readiness for successful careers through an accelerated format. This initiative represents a collaborative effort between educational institutions, local school districts, business partners, and workforce development organizations, all working together to prepare students for thriving careers. Housed at the Crawford Success Center, Turbo Cert offers certifications in Advanced Manufacturing, Advanced Mobility, and Information Technology. These credentials are tailored to meet current job market demands and support career progression. Mid-Ohio ESC’s Program Coordinator and string partnerships with local business and industry provides a comprehensive support system that includes opportunities for college enrollment and employment post high school.
Speech Language Pathologist High School Internship Program (est. 2023)
Mid-Ohio ESC provides a Continuum of Career Talent Pipeline experiences to develop aspiring Speech Language Pathologists with an interest in working in educational settings. The journey begins with the High School Student SLP Internship Program. Students receive direct mentorship from experienced SLPs, including 20 hours of job shadowing in schools and regular coaching sessions with their mentor. Content aligned to the Ohio Speech & Hearing Professionals Board SLP Aide License and Ohio Means Jobs Readiness Seal are balanced with interactive work sessions facilitated by university partners, focused on college & career preparation. Interns collaborate with their SLP mentors to design and implement a project related to speech-language pathology practice, then present their work to an audience of peers and professionals in a culminating event.
aiEDU and InnovateOhio (est. 2023)
Our ESC, recognized by OESCA for its AI expertise, offers professional development, policy guidance, and access to AI related resources. Our goal, in line with the state of Ohio, is to empower administrators and educators to foster foundational AI literacy among their students.
In partnership with the state of Ohio and as part of the Lt. Governor's InnovateOhio initiative,
Mid-Ohio ESC is proud to support the advancement of AI literacy in our schools. Ohio has teamed up with aiEDU, a non-profit dedicated to creating equitable AI learning experiences, to provide comprehensive resources and support to district superintendents, school principals, educators, parents, and other stakeholders.
With two dedicated aiEDU Champions on staff, we're committed to ensuring that every student in Ohio has the opportunity to thrive in an AI-driven world.
Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant (est. 2019)
On behalf of Galion City Schools, Mid-Ohio ESC was awarded three 21st Century Community Learning Center grants serving students attending Galion’s elementary, middle, and high schools. The grants provide before and after-school programs for Galion City School students in grades K through 12. The programs focus on providing reading and math experiences that complement the school day, building social-emotional skills, and engaging families. In addition, middle and high school programs focus on providing students with college and career awareness experiences.