Morrow County highlights four-week workforce program for high-school seniors

Commissioner Rucker told the Morrow County Board of Commissioners on Monday that a four-week ROAC workforce program for high-school seniors starts Wednesday and will expose participants to modern manufacturing careers and job-interview preparation.

Why it matters: county officials said the short program aims to connect students who have not committed to college, military or a job with local manufacturers, reduce the risk that students “fall through the cracks,” and help place graduates in entry-level manufacturing positions.

Rucker said the program meets once a week on Wednesdays for four weeks and includes plant tours and employer engagement. He told the board the program is geared toward students who have not settled on post-high-school plans and that it culminates in job-interview opportunities with local firms. Rucker said three of the county’s six schools are participating this year.

When commissioners asked about funding, Rucker said program coordinator Candace (surname not specified in the transcript) indicated she would “bring it back” with more information; the meeting record does not specify the program’s budget or funding source.

Rucker called the program a way to ensure students who are not pursuing college or the military still have a path to employment. Commissioners encouraged outreach to guidance counselors so eligible students are identified and enrolled.

The board did not take formal action on the program during the meeting; Rucker’s update was informational and described outreach and coordination efforts with schools and manufacturers.