Fairfield County Educational Service Center adopts STEM and manufacturing pilot program

LANCASTER – Fairfield County Education Service Center is operating a four-year, grant-funded pilot program to expand access to manufacturing, as well as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) career pathways for underserved students in rural, southeastern Ohio, according to a news release.

In collaboration with Belmont County ESC, the Workforce Center, and Ohio University, the Rural Post-Secondary Economic Development (RPED) initiative will transform workplace readiness opportunities for this student population. RPED addresses key challenges faced by rural students, such as limited resources, geographic barriers, and lack of career guidance in their respective areas. Through integrated career exploration services and the implementation of a full-time STEM/Advanced Manufacturing Career Navigator by the Fairfield County ESC, this program bridges the gap between academic advising and workplace readiness, the release states.

“This is a critical turning point for students who are actively seeking a change in their trajectory,” said Marie Ward, Ph.D., Superintendent, Fairfield County ESC in the release. “Our vantage point of career-readiness has catered to students immediately within our school districts, but we must consider those not as easily accessed whose futures depend on personalized academic support.”

The pilot program, which commenced in 2024 and will run through the 2027-28 school year, aims to collect necessary data on student growth and outcomes to modify the Career Navigator model, which helps local schools meet the need of every student to ensure they have pathways for success following graduation. For students entering ninth grade in each year of RPED, a STEM interest assessment will be completed to arrange career navigation services for applicable individuals beginning in grade 10, culminating upon graduation.

The Fairfield County Educational Service Center provides student-centered educational leadership and supportive services to meet the individual and collective needs of the staff, students and boards of education of the eight local school districts located in Fairfield County. More information can be found at faircoesc.org