The Ravenna School District established a Business Advisory Council (BAC) in the summer of 2022. In an effort to merge the needs of the different businesses with the work of the school district, a mission and vision statement emerged that bonded the two entities together in their work to create a diverse, yet competent workforce. The Mission Statement – The Ravenna Business Advisory Council provides opportunities where educators, students, business and community leaders can network, collaborate, and partner together in creating programs and opportunities that support and develop a stronger workforce is intended to set the stage for any and all initiatives that are designed to help students bring their attributes and talents to the table, learn about postsecondary opportunities, and package those same characteristics in such a way that they are enrolled, employed or enlisted in the programs of their choice. The Vision Statement was a little loftier in purpose – To unite schools, businesses, organizational groups, institutions of higher learning, professional organizations and individuals who are committed to building a strong Ravenna community. From that 2022 Summit came multiple ideas that were soon distilled to two initiatives – the CHAMPS Breakfast Series and the Career and Workforce Options Program.
The Champs Breakfast Series (Say Yes to Success!) evolved into a monthly breakfast, followed by short lessons on how to create a “work plan” that provided them with the tools and the opportunity to obtain employment. Each meeting began by a home cooked breakfast, served up by the BAC, followed by an icebreaker, lesson, and team building activity. Students were able to hear personal stories from BAC members about their experiences entering the workforce, learned about the importance of having a mentor and developing a work ethic, how to use a step-by-step approach to building a plan, developing assets and skills while also reducing liabilities, and marketing their character and work history. This work involved cataloging personal strengths then aligning those strengths with a job that fit those skills. It also allowed students to create a plan to address any perceived barriers or deficiencies. This work was used to create a resume which was used as a foundation for learning interview tips and tricks in preparation for mock and real interviews with BAC members and other business professionals.
What the BAC, and eventually the students and school administrators themselves, were unprepared for were the close bonds that developed between the students and the adults as the students began to feel valued and heard. The adults were able to provide context to student lives through their stories of finding the right path, and the students found a listening ear for their questions and concerns related to their future. During the last meeting, the students were presented with a graduation cord to be worn with their cap and gown demonstrating their completion of the CHAMPS Breakfast Series – and a tangible expression of their readiness to join the workforce.
The BAC, however, was not satisfied with this one initiative despite its success. They also created and implemented the Career and Workforce Options Program designed to provide middle and high school students with a taste of the many options available to them upon graduation. Using the model of College visits, where the schools host college recruitment visits during the school day, or the model where military recruiters visit the school to speak with interested students about the armed forces, the BAC developed a similar program designed to provide students with information about various career options after high school and beyond.
Local businesses involved with Manufacturing, Home Health Services, Banking and Finance, Fitness and Entrepreneurship, Health Services and Insurance sent representatives to talk with small groups of high and middle school students about what their line of business needed from possible employees certifications, education, characteristics, etc. The business people included information about what jobs were available, what a typical day might look like, and what made the job enjoyable. After the initial presentation, students would be able to visit different businesses to see the different options in action. For instance, a student interested in Finance/Banking could visit Hometown or Portage Community Bank, or a local investment service. Those who want to work for the health services could visit University Hospital for a taste of what is available.
These presentations were popular, and filled up almost as quickly as some College Visits. The popularity of these sessions indicated that there was a need for this type of information sharing – not every student knew what they wanted to do, not every student was ready to declare a major or enlist in the military. By providing an overview of opportunities, students were able to get a sense of what is available, and what aligns with their interests and abilities.
Next year, the BAC has even more plans. The CHAMPS Breakfast Series, and the Career and Workforce Options Program will continue, however there are plans to involve Jobs and Family Services with middle school students specifically. Their lessons are ready for dissemination, and JFS has tailored them to appeal to those grade levels as a stepping stone for the Options Program.
The Ravenna School District’s Strategic Plan specifically spells out three components that are non-negotiable – we believe in every student, we want our students to be future ready, and that we are stronger with our community! The Career and Workforce Options Program and the CHAMPS Breakfast Series are but two examples of those components being alive and well in the RSD. Every student, not just those that are high achievers or need significant support, can benefit from either of these initiatives. They exit these programs with real information, and are ready to translate their abilities into action. Without the Business Advisory Council – made up of community business people – neither of these programs would be possible. The RSD is poised to achieve so much more in the coming years if financial and in-person support for the schools becomes and stays a reality. Join with us to ensure that our students are here to make Ravenna City and Township a destination for life! Two ways to join in that goal are 1) contact the Ravenna Foundation (Matt Ferrel at mferrel@buckeyeresidential.com) or 2) contact the Friends of Ravenna (Laura Wunderle at laura.wunderle@gmail.com) to learn how to prepare our district for financial success.
