Workforce Development

ODNR Now Accepting Applications for November Job Shadow Program

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Attention high school juniors and seniors: the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is excited to announce its upcoming Job Shadow Program this November! This unique opportunity allows students to explore career paths in wildlife, parks, conservation, and more getting an inside look at what a future in natural resources could be.

ODNR Director Mary Mertz emphasizes, “It’s so important that we host these job shadow days to allow future conservationists the opportunity to learn and get excited about what a career at ODNR can look like for them one day.”

ODNR’s Job Shadow Day will be held on Friday, Nov. 22, and applications are being accepted through Oct. 25. Don’t miss your chance to experience a day in the life of Ohio’s dedicated conservation professionals! Apply now on the ODNR Job Shadow webpage.

Ohio Farm Bureau ExploreAg Camps

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Ohio Farm Bureau Federation is pleased to announce we will be hosting two free ExploreAg Camp experiences this fall! If you know of any students who would be interested in applying, please encourage them to do so by Sept. 30.

ExploreAg Overview
Purpose: Discover careers linked to agriculture and related STEM fields through a series of immersive and hands-on experiences and tours.
Who: Ohio students entering grades 9-12 in the fall, or recent high school graduates.
Cost: Free 

Learn more and apply by Sept. 30 at ExploreAg.org

2024 ExploreAg Fall Sessions

  • Oct. 11, COLT Electric Lineman Training, Mt. Gilead
  • Nov. 1, OSU Columbus Campus

ExploreAg is Ohio Farm Bureau’s signature ag literacy and workforce development program, offering free week, multi-day and day-long immersion programs for high school students. In ExploreAg, teens learn about agriculture and related STEM fields from industry experts, scientists and educators.

Questions or concerns? Contact info@exploreag.org.

CareerNext: Are You Ready?

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Ohio 4-H proudly announces the debut of CareerNext: Are You Ready?, an innovative online course designed to equip young individuals with the skills and confidence needed to excel in the dynamic landscape of tomorrow’s workforce.

As the career landscape evolves rapidly, Ohio 4-H recognizes the importance of preparing youth for forthcoming challenges and opportunities. CareerNext stands as a comprehensive program integrating practical knowledge, interactive modules, and real-world scenarios to empower participants to explore various career paths, hone critical skills, and make informed decisions about their future.
Key features of the online course include interactive learning modules covering resume building, interview techniques, post-secondary education, and financial literacy. Participants also benefit from expert guidance, flexible learning options, hands-on activities, and resources for career exploration.

For more information about CareerNext: Are You Ready?, visit: https://ohio4h.org/workforce-development/careernext-are-you-ready-0

We Grow Scientists

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The Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) will host the second annual “We Grow Scientists” event on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, from 3-7:00 p.m. at Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resources Laboratory.

This afternoon of hands-on learning and activities will showcase the many STEM fields CFAES has to offer and will include a look at Waterman facilities such as the Controlled Environment Agriculture Research Complex (CEARC). “We Grow Scientists” is a free event open to learners of all ages looking to learn more about STEM in their community as part of the COSI Science Festival (May 1-4, 2024). Bring the whole family! Visit go.osu.edu/cosi24 for additional information.

Spark EXPO registration is fast approaching!

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From June 12-15, teens at the Spark EXPO will learn about agriculture and related STEAM fields from industry experts, and faculty and staff of the Ohio State College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES).

Spark EXPO is open to all Ohio students who have completed the eighth grade or ninth grade at the conclusion of the 2023-2024 school year. Participants do not need to be enrolled in the 4-H program.

As part of Spark EXPO, students visit Ohio State’s Columbus and Wooster campuses and learn from Ohio State students, teachers, scientists, and researchers. Students explore careers, hear from Ohio 4-H alumni who share their career stories, and learn about the college and career-readiness program: Ohio 4-H Pathways to the Future.

The deadline to register is April 17, and details are at go.osu.edu/4hsparkexpo.

The event includes on-campus accommodations, meals, program materials, and transportation. Supervision is provided by adult program staff.

College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) Tours!

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Looking for something to do in between the Ohio 4-H Conference and Ohio State Collegiate 4-H’s Plowboy Prom? Join us for CFAES campus tours, career exploration, and a college preparation session. Pizza will also be included for attendees!

Register at http://go.osu.edu/b4plowboy before March 6 to guarantee your spot.

 

ExploreAg Summer Camps

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Ohio Farm Bureau Federation is pleased to announce they will once again be hosting several free ExploreAg Camp experiences this summer!

ExploreAg Overview

Purpose: Discover careers linked to agriculture and related STEM fields through a series of immersive and hands-on experiences and tours.

Who: Ohio students entering grades 9-12 in the fall, or soon-to-be recent high school graduates.

Cost: Free

Learn more and apply by April 15 at ExploreAg.org

2024 ExploreAg Summer Sessions

  • May 31, COLT Electric Lineman Training, Mt. Gilead
  • June 4-7, Wilmington College
  • June 9-14, OSU Columbus Campus
  • June 16-21, OSU Wooster Campus
  • July 7-12, University of Findlay

ExploreAg is Ohio Farm Bureau’s signature ag literacy and workforce development program, offering free week, multi-day and day-long immersion programs for high school students. In ExploreAg, teens learn about agriculture and related STEM fields from industry experts, scientists and educators.

Questions or concerns? Contact info@exploreag.org.

Save the Date: Ohio 4-H Spark EXPO

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This year’s event will be June 12-15, 2024, on The Ohio State University’s Columbus Campus!

What is 4-H Spark Expo?

The 4-H Spark EXPO (Exploring Pathway Opportunities) is an exciting opportunity for youth who have completed the eighth grade at the conclusion of the 2023-2024 school year. There will be four days of fun and learning with activities to explore a variety of career and educational opportunities. Attendees will develop valuable skills, make new friends, and fuel individual growth; and they will get the chance to tour Ohio State’s campus. To learn more about the event or to pre-registration visit: go.osu.edu/4Hsparkexpo

Who can attend?

Youth who have completed the eighth grade of the current academic year. Space is limited as we will only be able to accommodate up to 75 youth.

BuckeyeNext Available to Licking County 4-H Members

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BuckeyeNext is a program available to Ohio 4-H members that can be utilized in a variety of ways.

One way is to provide a location for 4-H members to track their involvement through 4-H, including what projects they take, officer positions held, awards received, teen leadership roles, and other activities they are involved in.  They can then pull up a summary of their information which can be used to help complete applications, scholarship, Achievement Awards Forms, job applications, etc. It serves as an electronic portfolio that members can easily update and pull information from as they need it.

Members can also complete learning modules that focus on industry-accepted credentials and gain knowledge in occupational competencies. Members can earn points for completing various modules and activities with a focus on career-ready competencies to help youth with a successful transition into “what’s next” after they complete 4-H and high school.

You can learn more about the app by visiting: http://go.osu.edu/buckeyenext

If you have questions, please reach out to Margo Overholt-Seckel at overholt-seckel.1@osu.edu.

YouScience Helps Youth Explore Careers

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YouScience helps our students chart their path from ‘I don’t know’ to post-secondary pursuits and career confidence and success. By completing a series of fun and engaging ‘brain-games,’ students learn where their natural strengths are and how they can leverage their strengths in post-secondary pursuits and beyond. YouScience combines decades of rigorous scientific research and cutting-edge matching algorithms to uniquely identify the intersection of your students’ strengths, passions, and future opportunities. Learn more: https://go.osu.edu/4hyouscience

Youth can request access at https://go.osu.edu/youscienceoptin.