Local students are spending the summer exploring different career options by participating in work experience/career exploration programs through Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD).

LCBDD Director of Employment Supports Holly Shellogg described the programs as being designed to help youth think about employment, and the kind of jobs they might enjoy, long before they graduate from high school. We thought this was a great chance to see more community partnerships at work, so recently we took a peek as four local students navigate their work experience/career exploration programs. Kudos and a big thank you to LCBDD staff member Samantha Keefe for taking some great photos!

Granville High School student Michael Phlegar is in his second summer work experience through OOD. He is currently completing a work experience program at Giant Eagle and is being provided coaching by Greenleaf Job Training Services, Inc..

Licking Valley High School senior Christopher White is in his first year of summer work experience through OOD. He is currently completing a work experience program at Rural King and is being provided coaching by Licking/Knox Goodwill Industries.

Newark High School student Montana Baughman is completing a work experience program at Goodwill Unlimited and is being provided coaching by Licking/Knox Goodwill Industries. Montana will also be participating in an Individualized Transition Education to Careers (ITEC) program during the 2018/2019 school year where she will identify interest/ aptitudes and build job skills.

Licking Heights High School student Praise Ademodi participated in a work based learning program at Licking Heights High School during this past school year and she is in her first work experience with OOD. She is currently completing a work experience at Newark Health & Rehab and is being provided coaching by Licking/Knox Goodwill Industries. Praise will also be participating in an Individualized Transition Education to Careers (ITEC) program during the 2018/2019 school year where she will identify interest/ aptitudes and build job skills.