Belmont College enters agreements with three area highschools
The agreement between Belmont College and Cambridge, Buckeye Trail, and Meadowbrook high schools will give high school students an opportunity to explore a professional field and gain certification for employment, while also giving them a head start on a college degree.
Belmont College has announced two new partnerships with local high schools that will give students a jumpstart on education and careers in nursing and welding. Students from Cambridge, Buckeye Trail, and Meadowbrook high schools are now able to begin career training before graduating high school. Participants who began in November can expect to earn certifications and be employable in their chosen field by Memorial Day 2021.
Enrollment in the program is free and students will not miss out on any of their regular high school credits by participating. Upon completion, students will be work-ready and eligible for jobs as welders or as State Tested Nurses Aides. In addition to the professional opportunities, completion of the program can also provide a head start to students who wish to continue their education in those fields. Both programs require students to undergo 80 hours of training and will end with a test for certification. In a recent article published by The Daily Jeff, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Affairs at Belmont College spoke about the impact of the program on students, "In today's economy, having a college education and hands-on workforce training are the best investments a student can make in his or her future… As the community's college, we feel it is important to foster relationships with local high schools and we couldn't be more excited for this chance to assist local students in achieving their educational goals."
The programs can also be a good way for students to explore a career field before making a huge commitment. Buckeye Trail student Izabella Gray was recently interviewed by local TV station WTOV. She explains what prompted her enrollment, "I want to become a doctor, so my guidance counselor thought this would be a good idea to get a footing in medicine and see if I actually do want to continue the career."
Cambridge High School Career navigator Lovel Quinn is excited about the partnership and pleased with how quickly it came together, "It is phenomenal how everyone worked together to make this happen. The administration here, plus the help and guidance from Belmont College, and the cooperation with other districts to work out the busing and details have been just great."