Oren
The Community Education Coalition has been awarded a $25,000 contribution from Honda. This contribution will support CEC’s project, “Education Pathways to Thriving Manufacturing Careers,” aimed at providing underrepresented K-12 students with comprehensive education and career pathways in the manufacturing industry.
The contribution will fund the key components of the project, including the development of tailored information campaigns, workshops, hands-on learning opportunities, and community events designed to engage and inspire students. By focusing on underserved communities and particularly low-income, Latino, Black, and Black-Biracial students, the CEC aims to bridge the educational gap and foster a diverse local workforce.
The coalition plans to launch a data-driven campaign aligned with programs offered at the AirPark Columbus College Campus that lead to roles in manufacturing. This campaign will feature printed and digital materials detailing manufacturing career paths, salary information and helpful resources.
To reinforce the information campaign, the CEC will host various events and workshops for students, families, school counselors, and STEM teachers. These will include Lego Robotics Camps for hands-on STEM learning, guided manufacturing plant tours, and participation in events including Manufacturing Day, Es Posible, Exito Latino, and Ven y Conoce.
“We are incredibly grateful to Honda for their generous support,” said Kathy Oren, coalition president and CEO. “This contribution allows us to further our mission of increasing educational success connected to well-paying careers, with a focus on equitable access for students from historically underserved communities. By providing these students with information on clear pathways, hands-on STEM experiences and exposure to careers in the manufacturing industry, we are helping to build a stronger, more diverse workforce for our region.”
The program is set to begin from fall 2024 through spring 2025, with plans for future expansion based on its success.
