MANSFIELD — A collaborative effort involving regional partners secured a state sponsored grant earlier this summer to assist Richland County residents with an opportunity to secure educational credentials under the Healthier Buckeye initiative.
Karen Seman, Director of Workforce Development of RCDG and Sonja Pluck, Director of the Madison Adult Career Center respectively serve as chair and co-chair.
“Securing the opportunity to upskill for in-demand workforce skills is unique given the tight timeframe presented in the proposal, and we’ve made good progress,” Seman said. “But the team isn’t settling in, we want more qualified applicants.” The Healthier Buckeye initiative targets a specific income based audience based on household income and occupants. All applicants must meet eligibility requirements.”
Training pathways include attainment of credentials in healthcare and manufacturing. Students can select from the existing programs at Madison Adult Career Center, Pioneer Adult Education and Ashland County – West Holmes Adult Education Center including training in Phlebotomy, CNC, Welding, Maintenance Training and HVAC. North Central State College, Richland County Jobs and Family Services and Catholic Charities are among the many partners providing support. Catalyst Life Services is the grant fiscal agent.
“We are able to overcome many barriers which hold our county residents back from returning to adult education programs. With our grant’s comprehensive approach, we’ve been covering tuition payment, uniform purchases, help with transportation and daycare costs while people are training,” Pluck said. “Our classes have a late afternoon or early evening start, so students can work, and train to gain.”
The intake and approvals are overseen by Steve Wilkinson, Healthier Buckeye Coordinator. Interested parties can learn more by contacting him at steven@catalystlifeservices.org at 419-774-2262 or by calling (419) 524-0733.
“The process is streamlined to deliver a decision on eligibility within 3 days of receipt of completed documentation,” Wilkinson said. “We’re anxious to get more students enrolled, and soon.”
Madison Adult Career Center can accept more students for their CNC class which has an early October start date, and welding technology classes kick off in November at Pioneer and West Holmes classes are still forming.
“Local employers can help their existing employees by participating,” Seman said. “The Heathier Buckeye grant offers an opportunity for qualified applicants to upskill, to reduce their dependence on social services if applicable and hopefully transition with their industry-certified credentials into higher wage employment positions.
“This pilot program will be closely reviewed for possible replication.”
Seman and Wilkinson will oversee the final report submission upon the grant closing. Contact 419-524-0733 with questions on eligibility and mention your interest in Healthier Buckeye.
