OSU

Ridgemont students awarded scholarships to prepare for workforce

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Photo Credit: Kenton Times

Photo Credit: Kenton Times

Fifty Ridgemont High School students are on their way to becoming empowered leaders.  Each were awarded the “Rising Stars Initiative” scholarship.

Ridgemont High became the first school in the nation to receive this initiative.  The school district partnered with The Ohio State University’s  Alber Enterprise Center, Hardin County Chamber & Business Alliance and Performance Support Systems (PSS), as a collaborative effort to introduce the Future Farmers of America (FFA) students to this program.  The program will aid students to learn people skills and their personal strengths in high school and beyond graduation.

FFA students will partake in a year-long, online personal development program, called “Strong For Life.”  “Strong for Life” for ProStar Coach is a virtual program that can be accessed 24/7 at the student’s disposal to ingrain pertinent leadership qualities for the workforce.

Various classes such as Listening, Giving Constructive Feedback, Engaging in Dialogue, Resolving Conflict, Composure, Cooperation, Self-confidence, Responsibility, and many more are accessible for students to take.

According to a 2006 joint study, “Are They Really Ready to Work,” employers complained that young adults were “woefully-ill prepared” for the demands of the workplace, had poor communication and critical thinking skills.  PSS launched this initiative to address this “growing awareness” on young adults not being adequately prepared for any challenges they may face in the workforce.

Stephanie Jolliff, Ridgemont FFA  Advisor stated “It gives our kids the opportunity to connect with the real world.”

On January 5, 2015, Ridgemont received this non-monetary scholarship.  Normally, a one year individual subscription is $325 but with PSS working with participating schools and youth programs, it’s now free and accessible for teens.

By obtaining these qualifications earlier on and before embarking on their career paths, students will be better equipped with the necessary tools to succeed in the workforce and in life.  Frank Gibson, Program Manager of Alber Enterprise Center said “This is a rare and unique opportunity for students to develop their leadership skills [through coaching focused] on you, your career, your growth, and your future.  We challenge each student to not only receive coaching but to learn how they can use coaching skills to assist others.”

Each student will have assigned “Accountability Coaches” and “Support Coaches” that will guide them throughout the coaching process.

Bailey Drumm, Ridgemont High senior, expressed “This will better prepare us for jobs in the community.  I am confident in my leadership abilities, but I am also excited to see where this leads me.  I am hoping it makes me even better.”

“This can be a life-learning program.  The effect it has on students could affect other people in their lives,” claimed John Hohn, Director of Economic Development at Hardin County Chamber & Business Alliance.  “The long-term impact could be amazing.”

For more information about Strong For Life, visit:  strongforlifeteens.com or contact Frank Gibson at 740-725-6348.

(Special Note:  Article information and quotes pulled from the Kenton Times article, “Program goal to better prepare R’mont students for work force” by Dan Robinson, Staff Writer and Performance Support Systems’ Press Release)

Register Now for Lean Six Sigma Executive Belt Training–Deadline: Jan. 8, 2015

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Norma Simons, President of Performance Innovation LLC and AEC Solution Partner

Norma Simons, President of Performance Innovation LLC and AEC Solution Partner

Executive BeltLean Six Sigma (LSS) is a methodology and way of thinking that enhances the performance of an organization.  It first was applied in the manufacturing industry but now it is being applied in healthcare, government, education and several institutions.  LSS provides a template to simultaneously reduce waste, improve the quality of products and services, improve customer satisfaction and increase profitability.

In order to transform the enterprise and leadership as well as develop and sustain a culture to support the news changes, the leaders need to have a basic understanding of the concepts of Lean Six Sigma.  This program is therefore designed for executives, leaders and managers who will lead or deploy the LSS initiative.

The Lean Six Sigma program is offered using a blended approach to learning.

What is a Blended Approach? 

This approach combines the traditional classroom style with online self-paced learning, using technology.  The extent to which this approach is used will vary depending on the type of technology, the organization, and the material that needs to be covered. Because Blended Learning combines several different learning styles, it allows participants to work at their own pace and at their own convenience.  Class time is then designed for discussing applications of concepts to the work environment and clarifying areas that might not have been clear.

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Components of LSS Executive Belt

  • Access to E-learning modules 24/7– Each week participants will be required to cover the assigned material prior to the live webinars.
  • On-line student guides– There are guides that can be downloaded with each video that allows participants to retain their own reference material.
  • Live weekly webinars with the instructor– Handouts that support the weekly webinars will be sent ahead of time to the participants.
  • On-line discussion sessions– Weekly webinars will allow for online discussions pertaining to the application of LSS in each facility.
  • Access to the instructor when needed– Participants will be able to gain access to the instructor at specified times to discuss or clarify issues that might not be clear in applying LSS.

Lean Six Sigma is a comprehensive systems improvement program that assists organizations in executing their strategy and establishing processes that better serves the customers.  Executives will have the opportunity to gain understanding of the concepts and discuss some of the barriers that might occur while applying these ideas in their respective organizations.  They will be able to learn on their own, learn from the instructor as well as from other class participants.

The Lean Six Sigma Executive Belt Blended Learning Program is sponsored by The Ohio State University Alber Enterprise Center and Performance Innovation LLC.

To find out more about the program, visit osutrainingtoyou.com and SIGN UP NOW. For Special Offers and Group Discounts, please contact Annette Shuster at shuster.18@osu.edu. Deadline:  January 8, 2015.