Bucyrus, OH (January 24, 2024) – The Ready for Hire program in Crawford County is seeking local employers interested in partnering to offer paid internships to high school students at no cost to the employer. In addition, after completion of an internship, employers will have trained graduates who could potentially become full-time employees. The internships are provided as part of the Ready for Hire Program, a grant-funded initiative facilitated by the Mid-Ohio ESC. This program was devised in partnership with SPARC Council and the Mid-Ohio ESC Business Advisory Council. These partners work together to provide programs for schools that help increase student professional and technical skills needed for workplace success.
Currently, Crawford County has a student intern placed at Galion Community Theatre, and the Bucyrus Public Library will soon be adding two student interns to work as Youth Program Assistants. However, Crawford County needs other businesses to partner with to provide more local high school students with internship opportunities.
Bucyrus Public Library Director Stephanie Buchanan speaks on the value of adding interns: “Bucyrus Public Library is excited to have student interns as part of the Ready for Hire program, in collaboration with MOESC and Goodwill Industries. We see this as a win for the students, the library and the county. The internship gives the students a safe environment to expand their skill set, explore careers, boost their resume and help others; all under the guidance of a mentor. The library gains a fresh perspective and assists in developing our next generation of leaders. We all benefit from this great opportunity and look forward to great things from these students.”
Area employers are encouraged to watch the Ready for Hire Business promotional video to learn more about the program and contact Kevin Fourman, Crawford County Site Coordinator, for more information.
Lily Ebner, who is interning at Galion Community Theatre, has been able to get more high school students interested in theatre through her internship by creating the Galion Community Youth Board. Lily is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to intern at the theater: “I have gotten so many different experiences that I wouldn’t normally have gotten with just volunteering at GCT. I have been able to attend the board meetings regularly and I’ve gotten a closer look at the business aspect of theater.” By interning, Lily has also gained a better sense of what she would like to do in the future. “Throughout my time with my internship, I have changed my approach to what I would like to do in the future. I have realized that I want to pursue a career working with the community. This internship really showed me how many people are involved with my community, and it’s an amazing thing. I plan on continuing my education and studying communications to help my community which has helped me for so many years.”
Please consider partnering with the Ready for Hire program to offer high school students in Crawford County the opportunity to gain professional and technical skills needed for workplace success through paid internships. Lily’s success demonstrates the benefits of such partnerships. By providing internship opportunities, local businesses can help shape the future workforce.
