The Building Bridges Bulletin

This transformative day of exploration was made possible by the Youth Pathways Grant for Careers in Agriculture, a signature program of the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation aimed at empowering young people to discover their purpose and passion in agricultural careers.

An exciting exploration into the realm of drone technology took place as members from the Educational Service Center and Brown County Farm Bureau welcomed junior high and high school FFA students at the Brown County Fairgrounds on May 10. The event, aimed at enlightening young minds about the potential of drones in the agricultural industry, featured a lineup of engaging activities and presentations.

The morning commenced with warm greetings and introductions, setting the stage for a session led by Doug Daniels, a seasoned drone instructor and pilot. Daniels’ expertise illuminated the pathway to becoming a licensed drone pilot, shedding light on age qualifications and the myriad of career opportunities awaiting aspiring drone enthusiasts. From building inspections to real estate and beyond, Daniels painted a picture of the diverse applications of drone technology.

One highlight of the session was the unveiling of an app that delineated fly zones and no-fly zones, emphasizing the importance of responsible drone operation. With drones ranging in cost up to $60,000, attendees grasped the substantial investment behind these aerial marvels, especially considering their efficiency in tasks like spraying up to 30 acres in an hour with pinpoint accuracy.

Following the insightful presentation, students eagerly delved into hands-on experiences, assembling drones and taking flight in the expansive outdoor space. Guided by instructors, they navigated through obstacle courses, honing their piloting skills and gaining firsthand experience in drone maneuvering.

Returning indoors after their drone flights, students engaged in a challenge exercise designed to showcase the practical applications of drone technology in solving real-world problems. The morning session concluded with lunch, followed by an invitation to explore a series of banners showcasing a wide array of agricultural career paths, providing students with a broader perspective on potential vocations.

The afternoon session allowed students and business leaders to connect for a “Human Library” session, where students seized the opportunity to glean insights from professionals representing various sectors, including ag business, banking, education, and conservation.

The final session offered a glimpse into the cutting-edge capabilities of drones in public safety and emergency response scenarios, as the Brown County SWAT Team demonstrated their sophisticated drones. Students marveled at the drones’ multifunctional attachments, envisioning their potential in tasks ranging from sample collection to livestock management.

In a parallel track, students explored the realms of virtual reality, immersing themselves in simulated scenarios as linemen, nurses, and fiber optic technicians. Through these interactive experiences, they gained valuable insights into diverse career paths facilitated by advancing technology. Participating FFA instructor Justin Cluxton expressed his enthusiasm for the event.

“I think the Steamology drone day was a great opportunity to showcase technological advancements the ag industry and many other industries have made with the use of drones,” Cluxton said. “My students found the workshop extremely useful and are looking forward to applying what they learned in the classroom.”

Cluxton’s sentiments echoed the sentiment of many educators present, underscoring the invaluable educational experience provided by the event and its potential to ignite a passion for innovation among students.

This transformative day of exploration was made possible by the Youth Pathways Grant for Careers in Agriculture, a signature program of the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation aimed at empowering young people to discover their purpose and passion in agricultural careers. Through innovative programming and community partnerships, the foundation seeks to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for success in ag-related industries, paving the way for a vibrant and sustainable future in agriculture.

The proverb "Many hands make light work" emphasizes the significance of teamwork in achieving tasks and goals. In the context of the school setting and/or workplace, teamwork plays a vital role in enhancing productivity, efficiency, and overall success. Check out the newly created collaborative Career, Workforce and Life Skills Resource. This document will continue to be updated as new lessons, activities and other resources are shared by various educators, organizations and businesses. To have your information added to the document please email Kim Adams at kim.adams@brownesc.net

United Way of Greater Cincinnati announces the launch of the Future of Manufacturing Program, funded by the GE Aerospace Foundation, to address critical gaps in the advanced manufacturing workforce.

The program seeks to connect individuals interested in advanced manufacturing career opportunities with workforce development programs. Grants awarded over a three-year period will help cohorts of partners increase workforce development program enrollment, completion and job obtainment in the sector. Funding and technical assistance will support partners in replicating proven practices or scaling existing solutions to improve outcomes.

We invite proposals that aim to overcome barriers to meeting advanced manufacturing workforce needs, such as limited technical training capacity, fragmentation among stakeholders, and lack of flexible funding. The goal is to drive impactful change and grow the advanced manufacturing workforce pipeline through collaboration, coordination, and quality improvement.

Organizations may only submit one application. Grants will likely range from $25,000 - $50,000. Organizations funded in year one may be eligible for continued or new funding in year two or three. Funding begins July 1, 2024 with up to a three-month planning period, if needed, and an implementation period of up to 12 months. A second cohort will be funded in 2025 and a final cohort in 2026.

Read more about happenings at BCESC and our partnering school districts by clicking this link> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wCw1dj0clVImDydydsgu8hVMMtVNW9H5/view?usp=sharing

The DriveOhio Educator Toolkit provides a summary of resources for K-12 and Career Technical educators, employers, and other workforce stakeholders to facilitate STEM education and career outreach programs. The DriveOhio Educator Toolkit has been downloaded by over 340 educators who work with over 50,000 students across Ohio. With your help, we're preparing students for in-demand transportation careers with electric vehicles, drones, and more! Watch for updates over the summer about new DriveOhio Educator Toolkit resources for the 2024-2025 school year, including expanded curriculum, more professional development opportunities, and updated Career Connections content.

5/20/2024

Last week, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 250 at Karrer Middle School in Dublin. The new law will require every school district in Ohio to establish an official policy governing cellphone usage during school hours and seeks to minimize student use of cell phones in K-12 schools.

Sponsored by former Rep. Jessica Miranda (D-Forest Park) and Rep. Tracy Richardson (R-Marysville), and with the cellphone provision championed by Sen. Andrew Brenner (R-Delaware), HB 250 requires that all districts place an emphasis on limiting cellphone use and reducing cellphone-related distractions in classrooms. It also includes exceptions for students who require a cellphone to monitor a health concern or for student learning as determined by school officials.

Governor DeWine called on the Ohio General Assembly to enact legislation limiting cellphone use in schools during his State of the State Address last month, during which he also recognized the longstanding work of Lt. Governor Husted to advocate for limited cellphone usage in schools and support of parental consent requirements for children to use social media.

The bill passed unanimously in both the Ohio Senate and House of Representatives.
Several school districts around the state already have policies limiting cellphone use. In Dublin City Schools, including Karrer Middle School, students are required to have their cell phones powered off during the school day, unless they have received special permission from a teacher or administrator to use them.

As a result of the new law, the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce will soon publish a model policy regarding cell phones that schools across the state can utilize as they create their cellphone policies.

Schools will be required to adopt their cellphone policies no later than July 2025, ahead of the 2025-2026 school year.

Submit information to be shared in the monthly BBB to Kim Adams kim.adams@brownesc.net

"Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success." — Henry Ford