Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, Oakmont Education is an organization that consists of dedicated and innovative academic leaders striving to reduce high school dropout rates and address the skills gap by providing opportunities for youth through hands-on support and work-specific training. The organization manages more than 10 state-designated dropout recovery schools, which offer programs for individuals from ages 16 to 24.
The students might face challenges such as reading at a Grade 5 level at 18 years old, being a teenage parent, attending multiple high schools, or having a disability. Select schools include Regent High School, Towpath Trail High School, and Franklinton Prep High School.
As opposed to dropout prevention emphasizing increased engagement among students still in school, Oakmont tailors its programming to individuals who have been out of the public school system for an extended period of time. Since its inception in 2018, Oakmont has proven its educational model to be successful in helping these students earn high school diplomas and advance their careers. More than 750 students graduated from Oakmont schools in 2021 student enrollment has grown to over 3500 students across the state of Ohio..
Recognizing that high school education isn't enough on its own for students to achieve a sustainable living wage, Oakmont helps opportunity youth prepare to enter the workforce by providing them with real-world skills in multiple areas including construction, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, culinary, and business.. Participating students not only receive hands-on training from educators with industry-specific experience but can also earn professional accreditation from leading organizations such as Microsoft, Manufacturing Skill Standards Council, and National Healthcareer Association.
Oakmont's Skilled Trades track is geared toward students who enjoy working with their hands and are interested in pursuing opportunities in construction or manufacturing. Students in this track learn how to use hand and power tools and valuable safety considerations properly. Construction students participate in home build and remodel projects with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity of Summit County. Available certifications include Construction Laborer, Facilities Maintenance, and Certificate Production Tech.
Oakmont also helps students interested in starting their own company or pursuing other business opportunities. Its Business & Entrepreneurship track involves interactive labs focusing on common business applications. Students can earn Microsoft Office Specialty certification to support a career in information technology or complete one of the following certification programs: The Fundamentals of Retail, Customer Care & Service, Retail Operations, Entrepreneurship & Small Business, Hospitality, and Culinary Arts.
Meanwhile, the Community Health & Wellness track is catered to those who enjoy helping others and involves a mix of classroom education and hands-on clinical practice. Oakmont partners with Mt. Carmel Hospital, which provides students with life skills training and offers free counseling via its Department of Urban Health. It also hosts a bi-annual community health fair.
Students in the Community Health & Wellness track can pursue a range of healthcare and special education certifications, including Certified Phlebotomy Technician, Certified EKG Technical, State Tested Nursing Assistant and Direct Care Support Professional. Graduates can work in outpatient care centers, long-term living facilities, and hospitals.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.