Lorain County JVS principal outlines expansion of career-technical pathways and employer partnerships

Megan Champagne, principal of the Lorain County Joint Vocational School, told the Lorain County Board of Commissioners on Nov. 4 that the JVS is expanding programs and employer partnerships to keep graduates working in the county.

Champagne said the JVS prepares students "for jobs in Lorain County," and that many graduates remain in the area and join the local workforce or start businesses. She described a new collaboration that will allow seniors to earn a certified nursing assistant credential at local sites with North Ridgeville, Lorain County Community College (LCCC) and O'Neill Healthcare, with classes offered after the school day and opportunities to interview with the employer.

"A lot of these students know that they want to work in health care," Champagne said. She added that the school is building programs with "on and off ramps" so students can choose immediate employment or post-secondary pathways at LCCC.

Champagne also said the JVS is using student interest-and-aptitude data to shape program growth. "It shows us that our students have a lot of aptitude for careers in logistics, but we're not talking to them about logistics in any capacity yet," she said. The school plans outreach and work-based learning to introduce students to those careers.

The principal emphasized employer engagement and advisory committees for each career field, which she said help teachers align curriculum to workforce needs and provide mentorship opportunities for students. She invited commissioners to an elected-officials luncheon in February 2026 to tour JVS labs and see student work from culinary and bakery programs.

Commissioners and attendees praised the program and noted the JVS role as a local workforce feeder. No formal action was taken on the presentation.