The Building Bridges Bulletin

On September 24, 2024, the Danny Gray Building at the Brown County Fair was abuzz with excitement as students from Fayetteville and Georgetown school districts participated in a thrilling drone competition. Eight students in grades 9-11 showcased their skills in the Level 1 Open Lane Basic Proficiency Practice Test, a test designed to evaluate a drone pilot's ability to maneuver and operate payloads in an open environment. Based on methods developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the test measures each pilot’s strengths and weaknesses, helping them identify areas for improvement.

Timed on their take-off and landing lapse, students competed to complete a challenging maneuverability course. The event's winner was Landon Huber, an 11th grader from Fayetteville High School, who achieved an impressive time of 3 minutes and 6 seconds. In second place, Isaak Adae, also an 11th grader from Fayetteville High School, finished with a time of 4 minutes and 56 seconds, while Kobe Magee, a 9th grader from Georgetown High School, claimed third place with a time of 5 minutes and 30 seconds.

The other participants included Maxwell McGinnis (9th grade), Isaiah Ernest (9th grade), Sir Jones (9th grade), Brandon Truill (10th grade), and Chance Wright (10th grade) from Georgetown High School.

The drone testing was supervised by Doug Daniels, a senior law enforcement training officer and remote pilot with the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA). With extensive experience in law enforcement training and drone operation, Daniels’ expertise added an extra level of professionalism to the event.

Drone Challenge: Solving Agriculture Problems with Innovation

Following the proficiency test, students divided into three groups to present solutions for the Drone Challenge. This task was assigned to them back in May 2024 during Drone Day at the Brown County Fairgrounds. Students were asked to address current agricultural issues using drones, focusing on areas such as aerial mapping, crop health monitoring, and livestock management.

• Group 1: Fayetteville High School students Landon Huber and Isaak Adae tackled the issue of labor shortages in agriculture. They proposed using drones for crop spraying, reducing labor needs, and cutting down on operational costs by using battery-powered drones that also minimize soil compaction.

• Group 2: Georgetown High School 9th graders Sir Jones, Isaiah Ernest, Maxwell McGinnis, and Kobe Magee focused on crop health and growth. Their solution highlighted how drones could map fields and identify areas with drier soil, allowing for efficient water usage and better crop management.

• Group 3: Georgetown High School 10th graders Brandon Truill and Chance Wright addressed the challenge of locating lost or sick livestock. They presented drones as a tool to quickly locate animals, ensuring timely medical attention and improving farmers’ chances of selling healthy livestock at market.

The students’ creative solutions demonstrated how drone technology can play a significant role in solving real-world agricultural problems. Their presentations were well-received by the audience.

The event not only tested the students’ drone-flying abilities but also encouraged innovative thinking as they explored how drones could transform the future of agriculture.

Special thanks to our timekeeper, Adam McGinnis, Georgetown Teacher and Brenda McGinnis, Georgetown Teacher for assembling obstacle course equipment for the Drone Course, Pamela McKinney, Georgetown Teacher for assembling groups for the Drone Challenge discussion and the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation for providing grant resources to make this event possible!

Federal law defines work-based learning as “sustained interactions with industry or community professionals in real workplace settings, to the extent practicable, or simulated environments at an educational institution that fosters in-depth, firsthand engagement with the tasks required in a given career field, that are aligned to curriculum and instruction.” Beginning as early as grade 9, students should accumulate 250 hours of work-based learning aligned to their programs of study or their student success or graduation plans, with evidence of positive evaluations. Students may accumulate hours across multiple types of work-based learning experiences.

RE: Work-Based Learning is available to ALL high school students including students attending local high schools, students at career technical centers and college credit plus students.

Industry-Recognized Credentials Guide

What’s in it for schools?

Connecting students to opportunities to earn industry-recognized credentials puts them on a pathway to success after high school. Preparing students for their best possible future is the greatest goal of schools, and credentials can help achieve this.

Schools also receive credit in the Prepared for Success measure on the report card for students who earn 12 points of approved industry-recognized credentials or groups of credentials from the Department's list. Schools further benefit and contribute to Ohio’s shared goal by setting their students up for a transition beyond high school and into the workforce. Industry-recognized credentials are an innovative approach to truly recognize and account for a student’s hard work in becoming career-ready and prepared for their best possible future.

Learn how to upskill your teachers through TechCred.

Reimbursement for Schools

FY24 Reimbursements

Credentials reported to EMIS for the first time as being successfully earned in a reporting year will receive reimbursement in early summer of the following year. Reimbursements will be made based on credentials earned by any student and will be paid to schools who indicate that they have paid for the credentials earned. If the allocated amount ($5,500,000) is exceeded, reimbursements will be prorated.

What’s in it for businesses and communities?

Finding, hiring and retaining high-quality employees is a monumental task. Industry-recognized credentials help employers validate the knowledge and skills of potential employees and saves valuable time in assessing the competency of job applicants. Industry partners play an integral role in how the list is formed and validated to ensure that students are earning credentials that Ohio's industries value.

The first Real World Problem Scenario Cohort One began on Wednesday, September 11 at Southern State Community College. The Real World Problem Scenario (RWPS) workshop is designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world business challenges. This initiative pairs local businesses with classroom teachers to engage students in solving authentic problems. Five local teachers are participating, while receiving support and planning materials to integrate these scenarios into their curriculum.

Participants will work alongside business partners to create differentiated, in-depth content that challenges students to apply problem-solving skills in practical ways. The students will present their solutions directly to the businesses, offering a unique learning experience.

Featured Teachers & Projects:

• Scott Cropper, Eastern Brown with First State Bank (Nic Brown) – Students will analyze the true cost of purchasing a car and calculating interest, culminating in a "loan officer" capstone project.

• Kara Juillerat, Eastern Brown with Nutrien (Greta Gray)– Focus on inventory management and reconciliation.

• Krista Nunez, Fayetteville with Ohio Means Jobs, Brown Co. (Abbey Hurt)– Raising awareness of OMJ resources and engaging displaced teens in the program.

• William (Bill) Forsee, Ripley with Brown County Rural Water Association (Heather Boshears) – Problem of practice in progress.

• Julie Ingram, Western Brown with Adams County Regional Hospital (Adam Bird & Rachel Cummings)– Exploring the characteristics of a great employee.

This workshop also provides professional development credits and helps educators adapt curricula to be more advanced and complex.

We would like to begin a second cohort with 5 teachers and 5 partnering businesses. If interested please contact Kim Adams at 937-344-6113 or kim.adams@brownesc.net

Thanks to the Education Engagement Specialist and Network Director at Building Bridges to Careers (BB2C), Emily Bentley and Jeremy Ward for making this training possible!

Youth Transition and Workforce Development Professionals

Participate in research to address community mobility and advocacy skills for youth with disabilities.

Instructor led online modules for youth aged 18-24 designed to:

1. Develop skills and knowledge of ADA policy and sidewalk accessibility.

2. Facilitate Self-Advocacy and civic engagement to inform community leaders about sidewalk accessibility.

3. Collect data about sidewalk accessibility within your own community by using web-based tool, Project Sidewalk.

4. Explore career opportunities related to skills and knowledge of accessibility and civic engagement

FOR INSTRUCTORS AND FACILITATORS

• Facilitate five online modules
• Complete pre-curriculum and post-curriculum surveys
• Attend feedback forum at conclusion of program

FOR STUDENTS

• Particpate in program
• Complete pre- and post- program questionnaire
• Receive $25 Amazon gift card at conclusion of program

SUPPORT

Support available from project team at any time

Optional bi-weekly peer-to-peer forum for instructors

All instructors and students will complete all required IRB consent forms and a pre-and post- program questionnaires. Participation is voluntary and all participants can conclude their participation at any time.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Contact:

Ryan Craig

Adams Brown Mobility Manager

ABCAP

406 W. Plum St.

Georgetown, OH 45121

937-378-6041, ext. 310

📅 Tuesday, October 8th, 2024
📍 Brown County Fairgrounds
⏰ 9:00 AM - 1:15 PM
🔗 Register Here

Join us for an exciting kickoff of the Brown County-Youth Leadership Program! This event is designed to empower 11th-grade students with essential leadership, workforce skills, and service learning experiences that will prepare them for future success. Students will engage in hands-on learning through rotations at various stations, including:

• Essential Skills for Job Success
• Food Etiquette
• Financial Literacy
• Dress for Success
• Resume Building & Mock Interviews

Students will also meet with local professionals to explore post-high school career opportunities that align with their personal strengths and interests.

🎯 Target Audience:
11th-grade students who are working towards a graduation seal but are unsure of their career path.

Lunch is provided at no cost! If transportation is a concern, contact us, and we can assist with arrangements through Adams/Brown Mobility Management.

For more information, contact:
Trevor Corboy: corboy.3@osu.edu
Kim Adams: kim.adams@brownesc.net (cell: 937-344-6113)

In 2008, Mike Rowe created the mikeroweWORKS Foundation to launch a national PR campaign for skilled labor. When Mike started the foundation, he wanted to find a way to articulate the qualities he values most. He ended up writing the S.W.E.A.T. Pledge, which stands for “Skill and Work Ethic Aren’t Taboo.” The S.W.E.A.T. Pledge consists of 12 statements that outline the importance of four pillars—work ethic, personal responsibility, delayed gratification, and a positive attitude.

TECHNICAL SKILLS HELP YOU GET THE JOB, WORK ETHIC HELPS YOU KEEP THE JOB.

The MRW Work Ethic Certification focuses on the 12 statements of the S.W.E.A.T. Pledge. Each statement has a story, and each story comes from Mike’s personal experience working with entrepreneurs and hardworking people across the country. Through this program, we break down the origin of each statement in 12 lessons and explore why we believe every student and worker can benefit from embracing this pledge, regardless of their job or skill set.

Contact Christy Clary to learn more about how this certification aligns with the OhioMeansJobs Readiness Seal Requirements. College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences OSU Extension in Brown County 325 W. State Street, Bldg. B, Georgetown, OH 45121 937-378-6716 Office / 937-378-6646 Fax Direct Line: 937-892-3021 clary.42@osu.edu brown.osu.edu

The Brown County Educational Service Center has received additional grant funding (Ohio College Tech Prep, Workforce Development Region 7 & The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation Foundation) to create a STEAMology Resource Library- click here - (please note it will be more organized by the end of summer). Great resources for teachers to check out for classroom use this coming school year!

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

All Ohio school districts and Educational Service Centers need to have a Business Advisory Council. Ohio is proud to be home to over 110 Business Advisory Councils. These locally focused partnerships convene education and business leaders to engage in dialogue, build trust and identify strategies that transform the student learning experience. The on-going, intentional collaboration can result in a more responsive education system based on regional economic drivers and needs, more relevant learning experiences for students that include work-based learning opportunities and enduring partnerships between schools and local industries.

Join us as we put the talk into action with the development of workforce/career real world learning experiences.

Meeting dates:

October 1, 2024 (10:00-12:00) BCESC

December 3, 2024 (10:00-12:00) BCESC

February 4, 2025 (10:00-12:00) BCESC

April 1, 2025 (10:00-12:00) BCESC

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