Southeast Ohio Career System Builders Chosen for National Effort to Rethink and Revitalize Economies in Rural Communities
Jeremy Ward, BB2C Network Director explained, “Through our work with CivicLab, we look to amplify the positive work already underway in Appalachian Ohio. System building will help us leverage partnerships and strengthen practices to continue our mission to foster relationships that inspire career choice. Dissolving barriers and aligning efforts and initiatives will lead to stronger student agency and awareness of pathways in our region.” Contact us to learn more.
Exploring Creativity: Job Shadowing at Seven Mountains Media
For many students, job shadowing provides an invaluable opportunity to explore potential career pathways firsthand. For McKenzie DeLong, a 10th grader at Marietta High School, shadowing Evan Pugh, the Creative Director-Parkersburg Market at Seven Mountains Media, was an eye-opening experience that deepened her passion for graphic design and video production.
Empowering the Next Generation: A Career Mentor’s Experience
Through gratitude exercises and weekly reflections, Bridget helps students adopt a positive mindset and explore their potential. She reflects, “This is the next generation of kids who are going to do great things. It’s a chance to help them solve problems, ask questions, and believe in themselves.” She encourages others to give mentoring a try, saying, “You have the opportunity to guide students, share your experiences, and make a lasting impact.”
Fostering Care: Empowering Students to Make a Difference
The Foster Care Project began with a simple idea: provide essentials for children entering foster care. The idea was embraced by students in our co-curricular Students Solving Problems (SSP) groups in Washington County. Students Solving Problems projects and initiatives such as these are supported by the Memorial Health Foundation through mini-grant funding and a professional grant-process that students and groups can access.
Pathmaking: A reflection from a recent college graduate
“I believe many of us have a small voice of doubt in the back of our heads, questioning past decisions we have made, and wondering how to make the “right” choice for our future. Being at BB2C has taught me that you should always be encouraged to pursue your interests, discover new things, be creative, and be your own pathmaker.” Learn more about Lara’s path so far and how she can help students with their own pathways.
New Year, New Makerspace Highlights!
We're thrilled to see the Makerspace thriving and look forward to continuing to provide a supportive and inspiring environment for all! It has been buzzing with even more creative energy than usual. We have a number of things to highlight, as 2024 comes to a close and we look forward to 2025.
Ohio High School Tech Interns
The recent High School Tech Internship (HSTI), supported by the Ohio Department of Development and the Office of Workforce Transformation, has provided students with invaluable experiences that enhance their resumes while fostering essential soft skills. Read about their experience and see the video they made promoting BB2C.
Thank You
As we look back at the 2023-2024 school year and see all that was accomplished for our students, educators, professionals, business leaders, makers, and community members, we would like to take a moment to give thanks to you. These outcomes are a direct result of the wealth, wisdom, and work you have invested into our mission, our schools, our businesses, and our communities.
A Fantastic Family Career Fest!
At the beginning of November, students from all across Washington County, along with their families, gathered for an event that opened their eyes to the limitless career possibilities right in their own backyard. BB2C’s Family Career Fest was more than just an event—it was an opportunity to connect students and their families with the community, the businesses that thrive here, and the diverse career paths that await them after graduation.
STUDENT PATH-MAKERS: Finding Passion in Agriculture and Media
Career exploration is more than having students identify and follow predetermined career paths, it is about empowering them to combine their interests and experiences to create unique career pathways. Students can be career path-makers, not just career path-takers.
Alexis White, a junior at Fort Frye High School, has charted an inspiring career path in agricultural communications through her involvement with FFA, 4H, and media reporting.
Prosperous Businesses and Career Exploration
BB2C’s Small Business Incubator (SBI) is supporting startups and small businesses with a unique blend of mentorship, resources, and community engagement.
At the core of SBI’s mission is its commitment to student involvement. Through its innovative approach, BB2C’s Small Business Incubator is fostering economic growth and creating a vibrant environment for business success in the local community.
For more information about BB2C’s Small Business Incubator, including how to join or sponsor, contact us.
Family Career Fest!
This year’s event will be bustling with booths and activities designed to engage 7th - 12th graders. Representatives from a wide range of industries—technology, healthcare, engineering, education, and more—will be available to talk one-on-one with students and their families.
Mark your calendar! See the businesses participating.
SPOTLIGHT: NOBLE COUNTY, OH
Lane Robinson, a senior at Shenandoah High School in Noble County, has a clear vision for his future. Balancing academics with his passion for agriculture, Lane is not only the president of his school’s FFA chapter, he also interned as the farm manager at Green Acres.
This September BB2C’s Network Regional Coordinator, Jordan Spence had a chance to present to the Noble Local School Board about the impact of Community & Career Connected Learning during the 2023-2024 school year.
Making Community!
The BB2C Makerspace has already had a busy month! A collaboration with Peoples Bank Theatre for their upcoming Ben Fold concert as part of his Paper Airplane Request Tour was showcased at Marietta Main Street's October First Friday event. The next day, the Makerspace held a community-wide Open House that included Sips Coffee Truck, J's Dog House food truck, local musicians, and fun classes.
Can you take a photo for us?
BB2C is taking part in Marietta Community Foundation’s Annual Nonprofit Challenge, which they hold as part of Community Foundation Week each year. This year, the Nonprofit Challenge, which is sponsored by Superior Toyota in Parkersburg, WV, is the #Unselfie Challenge.
Welcome, Lara!
Lara Coghlan is a 2024 Marietta College graduate. She is BB2C's new Internship Coordinator. Her position is through AmeriCorps and Rural Action. She is also an assistant rowing coach with Marietta High School.
Interested in hosting a high school intern? Reach out to Lara!
Making Community Thrive
Noon Rotary had the idea to create a Little Free Library and set it in the Rotary Centennial Park. The idea quickly grew to include a Little Free Pantry alongside the library. Interested in exploring what the BB2C Makerspace can do and brainstorming ideas together? Let us know!
Become a Career Mentor
Helping middle school students with decision-making and goal setting can set a solid foundation for their future academic and career choices. By pairing them with career mentor volunteers, this BB2C program provides guidance and real-world insights that can be incredibly valuable for 7th and 8th graders.
Bridging Education and Employment in Southeastern Ohio
The 2024 Community & Career Connected Learning Summit is set to take place on Friday, September 20th at Washington State College of Ohio, bringing together businesses, educators, students, and community leaders in Southeastern Ohio. This dynamic event, put on by Building Bridges to Careers (BB2C) and sponsored by Syensqo and the Ohio Natural Energy Institute, is designed to bridge the gap between education and employment by aligning educational initiatives with economic development strategies.
Forever Caroline: The Power of a Handwritten Note
Moving into the Epicenter in March 2024, Julie has been excited to collaborate with students and explore new product lines. For example, using equipment in the Makerspace she can now create specialty art tote bags she had previously outsourced.