The Berkshire School District has received a big boost in preparing students for the future.
The district recently secured $200,000 as part of the Equity for Each grant, in partnership with Auburn Career Center and area businesses, to expand workability and vocational education programs and experiences for students with disabilities and students in need of meeting graduation requirements.
The Equity for Each Career-Technical Education Grant is administered through the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.
Embracing its mission to “cultivate and create meaningful and creative career pathways for students,” Berkshire officials added the district has launched an Agriculture and Environmental Systems Pathway and continues to plan for the expansion of Agribusiness and Production and Industrial Power Technology programs for fiscal year 2026.
“We have created an intentional focus on workforce development and are working to create more opportunities for all of our students,” said Superintendent John Stoddard. “We feel that this partnership will help our students, as well as the local businesses, which will ultimately lead to a stronger community.”
Specifically, he added, the funds will be used to support the placement of more students into local agriculture, food and natural resources businesses, such as Hemly Tool Supply in Thompson Township.
Funding will also be used to create opportunities with Auburn for industry-recognized credentials, such as snap-on multimeter and Occupational Safety and Health Administration 10 credentials, in addition to expanding rise-up retail fundamentals and customer service and sales credentials.
Officials noted that 40 students are scheduled to complete credentials by the end of January.
“Auburn is always in search of opportunities to train individuals in the community,” said Superintendent Brian Bontempo, “and we are happy to partner with Berkshire Local Schools and businesses in our region to offer entry-level credentials to students with disabilities or others in search of employable skills.
“We believe that every student should be prepared to enter the workforce when they leave high school.”
Officials added that the district had launched the “Badger Print Lab” — a space where students, among other pursuits, design and print pots, and sell them after growing their plants.
“We continue to remain on the lookout for grant and foundation opportunities that support the creative and constructive use of all students’ talents to prepare students with career readiness,” said Vanessa Karwan, Berkshire director of professional learning and community outreach.
