How one leader’s vision is expanding Ohio’s talent pipeline, elevating equity, and shaping the future of career-connected learning.
Lorain County JVS is proud to announce that Michelle McClintic, High School Program Supervisor, has been named the 2025 YouScience Brightpath Work-Based Learning Professional of the Year—a national recognition that celebrates excellence in career-connected learning. This prestigious award highlights McClintic’s innovative approach to work-based learning strategies, her commitment to workforce readiness, and her ability to expand talent pipelines that fuel Ohio’s economic future.
National Recognition for a Workforce Development Trailblazer
Michelle McClintic’s influence reaches beyond Lorain County—and now the nation is taking note.
"It is my honor to recognize Michelle McClintic as the 2025 YouScience Brightpath Work-based Learning Professional of the Year. Michelle's unwavering commitment to her community and her passion for student success have established her as a national leader in work-based learning innovation, advocacy, and student achievement. Her dedication not only impacts students but also inspires all of us to continue creating meaningful learning opportunities for the workforce of tomorrow." — Kristy Volesky, ACTE WBL Division Awards Chair
"Michelle has a true passion for career-technical education and a bold vision for inclusive workforce development,” said Dr. Glenn Faircloth, Superintendent and CEO of LCJVS. “She ensures every student—no matter their background—has access to real-world experiences that launch careers and ignite futures. That’s how you build a vibrant, ready workforce.”
The Numbers Tell the Story
In 2024 alone, LCJVS placed more than 100 students into paid internships, where they earned over $379,000 in wages across 27,407 work-based learning hours. McClintic has played a key role in driving these outcomes, collaborating with over 60 local and regional employers to connect students with career-aligned experiences.
A Strategic Approach to Workforce ReadinessMcClintic’s work supports broader statewide goals to build a 21st-century workforce. With Ohio’s advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and IT sectors booming, the need for early career exposure, credentialing, and pre-apprenticeship opportunities has never been more critical.
Equitable Access. Real Results.
A hallmark of McClintic’s work is her commitment to equity and access. She’s championed programs that uplift students from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds, including launching a regional push to promote the Inclusion Pledge through Special Olympics and creating pathways for young women in skilled trades.
A Culture of Career Confidence
At the heart of McClintic’s success is the belief that students thrive when they understand their strengths and see clear career pathways.
"Michelle makes sure students are equipped not only with skills—but with confidence," said Tina Pelto, LCJVS High School Principal. "Her dedication to student success has helped create a culture of purpose, ambition, and achievement."
Her work has also earned praise at the board level.
“Michelle’s impact goes beyond metrics. She changes lives,” said Myles Bremke, LCJVS Governing Board Member. “Her ability to connect classrooms to careers sets a new gold standard for career-technical education.”
“Michelle McClintic exemplifies the power of Ohio’s CTE community. Her leadership and innovation are helping shape a generation of students who are not only prepared for the workforce, but inspired to lead it.” — Dee Smith, Executive Director, Ohio ACTE.
As the 2025 YouScience Brightpath Work-Based Learning Professional of the Year, Michelle McClintic is not only being celebrated—she’s setting the pace for what’s possible when education and industry come together to power Ohio’s future.