Mentor Schools Celebrates Business Partnerships and Career Opportunities at Cardinal Connect Breakfast

Mentor Schools Hosts Cardinal Connect Business Partnership Breakfast for Ohio’s In-Demand Jobs Week

Mentor Schools recently hosted the third annual Cardinal Connect Business Partnership Breakfast as part of Ohio’s In-Demand Jobs Week, celebrating the collaboration between the school district and local organizations. The event honored partners such as Lakeland Community College, Component Repair Technologies, The Greater Cleveland Food Bank, and United Way of Lake County with the Business Partnership Impact Award.

Joe Glavan, director of Workforce Development, praised the partnerships and highlighted the success of the Mentor Schools Career Academies, which aim to align student interests with industry demands. Superintendent Craig Heath announced a $2.2 million state grant for the renovation of Mentor High School spaces housing the Career Academies, emphasizing the importance of preparing students for evolving job markets.

Glavan noted a significant increase in Career Technical Education participation, with over 50 percent of Mentor High seniors projected to be enrolled in CTE programs for the fall of 2024. Heath discussed the balanced approach to education options for students, including Career Tech, College Credit Plus, Honors, and Advanced Placement courses, all of which are seeing increased enrollment.

Lakeland Community College was recognized for its impact on Mentor Schools, particularly in expanding College Credit Plus opportunities. The Greater Cleveland Food Bank and United Way of Lake County were also praised for their contributions to the community, including distributing over 100,000 pounds of fresh produce to those in need.

Mentor High School Principal Jason Crowe credited Component Repair Technologies for their diverse partnership with the school, which extends beyond manufacturing to fields like social media, marketing, and HR. The collective efforts of Mentor Public Schools and its community partners demonstrate a commitment to student success and addressing workforce needs.