Lorain County JVS

A Bold Partnership Bridges High School, College, and Careers in Health Care – Redefining Career Exploration and Readiness and Nears Capacity 

Regional initiative aligns with Team NEO’s call for stronger entry-level career pipelines, expanding access to Ohio’s in-demand careers and strengthening Lorain County’s economy. 

Lorain County’s collaborative spirit is fueling innovation in workforce development. Lorain County JVS, in partnership with Lorain County Community College (LCCC), North Ridgeville City Schools, and O’Neill Healthcare, has launched a transformative initiative to prepare students for high-demand healthcare careers — while still in high school — through Ohio Technical Center Plus (OTC+) model. Ohio’s dual credit program, designed for high school students to earn high school and industry credentials at the same time.  

The OTC+ North Ridgeville Collaborative connects high school students to post-secondary resources and employer partnerships, providing them with a direct path to Ohio’s in-demand healthcare occupations. The collaboration reflects the unified vision of education and industry partners to strengthen Lorain County’s workforce pipeline and ensure inclusive access to opportunity amid regional population and employer growth. 

LCCC is providing the campus infrastructure for the program at its Ridge Campus in North Ridgeville, giving students access to state-of-the-art classrooms and labs. Lorain County JVS provides the instructor and instructional framework, ensuring the program meets Ohio Department of Education standards and prepares students for immediate employment and further education. O’Neill Healthcare North Ridgeville serves as the clinical and employer partner, offering hands-on training, mentorship, and guaranteed interviews for program completers. 

This collaboration is also deeply connected to LCCC’s Bridges to Success Program, an initiative designed to help students make the transition from high school to college by earning college credits, exploring careers, and developing the professional skills needed for long-term success. Through this alignment, participating students gain access to ongoing academic support, advising, and continued education options at LCCC — strengthening the bridge between K–12 education, postsecondary learning, and regional employment. 

“This initiative represents the best of Lorain County — education and industry coming together to deliver real opportunity,” said Dr. Glenn Faircloth, Superintendent of Lorain County JVS. “Team NEO’s report reinforces what we see every day: our region’s economic strength depends on expanding pathways to in-demand careers. This collaboration is a model of how to get it done.” 

Meeting Workforce and Economic Development Needs 

According to Team NEO’s 2025 Quarterly Workforce Report, Northeast Ohio employers continue to face shortages in healthcare, manufacturing, and skilled trades. The report highlights the need for structured, equitable pathways connecting students to meaningful employment — particularly in growing counties like Lorain, where both the population and job market are expanding. 

The OTC+ North Ridgeville Collaborative directly answers that call. Through this program, North Ridgeville High School seniors can earn their Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) credential, First Aid/CPR certification, and pre-apprenticeship completion status — all before graduation. The program combines classroom learning at LCCC’s Ridge Campus, clinical experience at O’Neill Healthcare North Ridgeville, and instructional leadership from Lorain County JVS’s expert educators. 

“This partnership is a model for the future of education,” said Megan Champagne, Principal of Lorain County JVS High School. “By combining the instructional excellence of JVS with the infrastructure of LCCC and the real-world experience of O’Neill Healthcare, we’re helping students build futures rooted in purpose and opportunity.” 

Michelle McClintic, Supervisor of Lorain County JVS High School, added, “Our mission is to remove barriers and expand access. Students gain career exposure, earn an industry credential, and connect directly with employers — all before they graduate high school. That’s transformational.” 

Collaborative Impact Across Lorain County 

The OTC+ North Ridgeville Collaborative demonstrates how strategic partnerships create seamless pathways from high school to college and career: 
 
“We’re proud to bring high-quality instruction directly into our partner schools,” said Kristian Smith, Director of the Lorain County JVS Adult Career Center. “This program reflects how career-tech education can meet employer needs while empowering students to thrive.” 

Cynthia Kushner, Director of School Workforce and Community Partnerships at LCCC, noted, “LCCC’s Bridges to Success program is about helping students take that critical next step from high school to college. By providing the campus infrastructure for this collaboration, we’re helping Lorain County students experience college-level learning early — and positioning them for long-term success in Ohio’s workforce.” 

Lee Armbruster, Coordinator of Community Partnerships and Educational Opportunities for North Ridgeville City Schools, said, “This collaboration exemplifies the power of partnership between education and industry. By connecting students with real-world healthcare experiences, we’re not only helping them earn valuable certifications, but also building their confidence and preparing them for meaningful careers. Together, we’re creating a direct bridge from the classroom to the professional world.” 

“Our community thrives when schools and employers come together with a shared purpose,” said Roxann Ramsey-Caserio, Superintendent of North Ridgeville City Schools. “This partnership provides both opportunity and stability for students and the local healthcare industry.” 

Meghan Hignite, Principal of North Ridgeville High School, added, “Our students are excited to take part in forward-thinking, career pathways. They’ll graduate not just with a diploma, but with credentials, experience, and a clear plan for their future.” 

Expanding Access to Ohio’s In-Demand Careers 

Lorain County JVS and its partners are building innovative models that align education with Ohio’s most in-demand industries. By connecting instructional expertise, infrastructure, and employer experience, this collaboration creates a sustainable, scalable framework for workforce development across Lorain County. 

“We’re not just preparing students for jobs — we’re preparing them for lifelong success,” said Dr. Faircloth. “Every student who earns a credential is another step toward a stronger, more resilient local economy.” 

Call to Action 

The OTC+ North Ridgeville Collaborative is nearing full capacity for the upcoming term, and space is limited. Interested students and families are encouraged to apply now. 

Complete the OTC+ Interest Form today to secure your spot and take the first step toward a healthcare career with impact. 

About the Partners 

Lorain County JVS serves more than 1,700 high school students and 500 adult learners, preparing a diverse and skilled workforce through innovative career-technical education and pre-apprenticeship programs. 
 
Lorain County Community College (LCCC), Ohio’s first community college with a full university partnership system, provides degree pathways, workforce infrastructure, and the Bridges to Success program that helps students transition seamlessly from high school to college and career. 
 
North Ridgeville City Schools is among the fastest-growing districts in Lorain County, focused on preparing students for college, career, and community leadership. Their mission: Empowering students to design their preferred future.  
 
O’Neill Healthcare is a locally owned leader in skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and assisted living, dedicated to quality care and workforce development in Northeast Ohio.