Ross Local School District Awarded Greater Cincinnati Foundation Grant to Expand Career Exploration Opportunities

Ross Local School District is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a $5,000 Learning Innovation Grant from the Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF) to support its project, Building Career Connections for Ross Local Schools.

The grant will help the district expand career awareness and work-based learning opportunities for students at all grade levels, strengthening connections between classroom learning and future career pathways. As Ross Local Schools continues its partnership with the Greater Cincinnati Business Advisory Council, district leaders are working to create meaningful experiences that expose students to a wide range of careers while helping them develop the skills needed for success after graduation.

"Our goal is to ensure that every Ross student has opportunities to explore careers, develop workplace skills, and make informed decisions about their future," said Emily Doblinger, RLSD Director of Curriculum and Instruction. "This grant will help us create experiences that connect students with professionals, businesses, and organizations both within and beyond our community."

As a small rural district, Ross Local Schools faces unique challenges when it comes to providing students with direct access to local businesses and career experiences. Grant funding will help address those challenges by supporting transportation for career exploration activities, field experiences, workplace visits, guest speakers, training opportunities, internships, co-op experiences, and other work-based learning opportunities.

The initiative will also focus on introducing career exploration at an early age. At Elda and Morgan Elementary Schools, the district plans to expand opportunities for students to learn about careers through hands-on, play-based experiences. Inspired by successful programs implemented in neighboring districts, the initiative will provide resources and materials that allow students to explore different professions, engage in career-themed learning activities, and interact with professionals from a variety of fields throughout the school year.

By creating opportunities for students to learn about careers within their own community and region, Ross Local Schools hopes to strengthen community connections while helping students better understand the possibilities available to them in the future.

Ross Local Schools is grateful to the Greater Cincinnati Foundation for its investment in student learning and career readiness. According to GCF, "Greater Cincinnati Foundation connects generous people with trusted nonprofits to create a vibrant tri-state region where every person has a fair opportunity to thrive."

Through partnerships like this, Ross Local Schools continues its commitment to preparing students for success in college, careers, military service, and life beyond graduation.