Buckeye students participate in Manufacturing Academy in partnership with Liverpool Industrial Park CEOs Group

YORK TWP. — Buckeye students are gaining exposure to careers in manufacturing industries in their community through a new pilot initiative called the Manufacturing Academy. The Manufacturing Academy is in partnership with the Liverpool Industrial Park CEOs Group, according to a media release. The experience is for students in grades three through 12, and the program connects kids with about 20 companies in the Liverpool Industrial Park. Each month, a different company partners with Buckeye Schools to design age-appropriate career exploration experiences, which happen during the school day. Participating companies can put on classroom activities, career-focused presentations, organizational tours, hands-on learning opportunities and informal conversations during lunch periods. Employees in different roles are involved in the program, which allows students to see the different career paths that exist within manufacturing. "This program reflects our commitment to giving students as many meaningful career experiences as is practical while still meeting all of the academic standards set by the state," Buckeye Superintendent Jeff Stanton said. "We want our students to understand the opportunities available to them, develop relevant skills and see how what they are learning in the classroom connects to real careers right here in Medina County." The goal of the program is to help students identify career interests, build awareness of local employers and understand the skills and habits that can lead to long-term success in the workforce. "It's important for companies to be involved in their local schools," Welser Profile President Bill Johnson said. "When students understand what modern manufacturing looks like and the kinds of careers that are available, everyone benefits. This kind of collaboration helps build a strong talent pipeline while strengthening the connection between schools, students and local employers." Buckeye plans to continue working closely with the Liverpool Industrial Park CEOs Group to evaluate the pilot program and explore future opportunities to expand career-based learning experiences for students.