Jaxon Devol is preparing for his senior year at the Career and Technology Education Centers of Licking County (C-TEC). He’s studying automotive technology and hopes to work on cars.

With graduation approaching, he decided to try a summer job to gain some workplace experience. 

He’s spent the last few weeks stocking and organizing shelves at the Giant Eagle in Heath — getting comfortable working with others.

“I know it will help with my communication a lot,” he said.

Jaxon is one of 61 local teens who participated in Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities’ Summer Youth Work Experience program this year

The program helps prepare students with disabilities, age 14 to 21, for life after high school by giving them the opportunity to participate in several weeks of paid community work experiences

Over the past few years, participation in the program has been steadily climbing in Licking County — up 7 percent from 2025 and 24 percent from 2024. 

This year, students could choose between four different employment providers, offering experiences at 13 different sites, including Giant Eagle, Licking/Knox Goodwill’s Central Processing, Infirmary Mound Park, My Place Child Care, Bob Evans and Olive Garden. 

For Leiah Cunningham, a student from Licking Valley High School, working at Giant Eagle was a good way to strengthen her communication skills before starting a year-long internship at Project SEARCH at Licking Memorial Hospital. She’s enjoyed finding misplaced items and putting them in the right place.

Her friend and fellow Licking Valley student, Layla Cunningham, has spent her experience at Goodwill’s Central Processing facility, where she helps sort boxes of donations and hang up clothes. 

I’ve definitely learned more responsibility and am more organized by doing this, she said.

Layla is planning to go to college and study criminal justice. She said she would recommend OOD’s program to other students.

“If you need to develop new skills, you’ll learn them through these jobs,” she said. 

If you have a child, 14 years of age or older with a disability, reach out to OOD for more information on how the agency can help your child with career exploration, skill development and strategies to get a job after graduation. Counselors begin talking with students and their parents, about next summer’s opportunities, beginning in the fall. To find out more, click the link here: https://ood.ohio.gov/information-for-individuals/services/student-services/high-school/students-14-plus