Columbus City Schools Superintendent Dr. Angela Chapman has celebrated Fort Hayes 4.5/5 Stars on State Report Card, while pledging to continue to push for success of CSS CTE, career technical education Programs

On October 4, 2024, Dr. Angela Chapman, the Superintendent and CEO of Columbus City Schools, eloquently articulated the district’s steadfast dedication to advancing career technical education (CTE) programs within its high schools.

For instance, the Fort Hayes Career Center recently achieved an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars on the Ohio State Career Technical Planning District Report Cards. This stands as a symbol of success and ambition for the district’s CTE initiatives, and it is a source of pride for everyone involved. Schools and districts are rated in four categories: achievement, graduation, career and post-secondary readiness, and post-program outcomes.

“Cultivating trust among our educators and students is of utmost importance,” Dr. Chapman stated, underscoring the necessity of nurturing an environment that encourages students to explore their passions beyond traditional academic confines. “We aim to illuminate the myriad opportunities that lie beyond conventional pathways. This empowerment is vital; it enables students to envision a future rich with possibilities and to pursue their passions while still navigating their high school journey,” she elaborated.

On September 25, 2024, Ohio State Governor Mike DeWine and Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted announced that the Columbus City Schools Engineering and Robotics Career Technical Program is among the 34 traditional school districts receiving the second round of Ohio’s career tech equipment grant funding. This initiative aims to enhance their facilities with state-of-the-art technology, ensuring students acquire the essential skills sought by Ohio’s businesses. “Providing the opportunity for more schools to purchase equipment to train additional students will set them – and our state – up for success,” Governor DeWine said.

The CTE programs at Columbus City Schools ignite students’ ambitions and equip them with the credentials and certifications necessary for a thriving future. Dr. Chapman’s remark, “Upon graduation, our students will encounter a broader spectrum of opportunities—possibilities that will extend well into their adult lives,” underscores the district’s commitment to student success. This unique approach instills confidence and optimism in the audience about the students’ future.

Integral to the district’s strategy is its unwavering commitment to the professional development of educators. 

Dr. Chapman emphasized the significance of ongoing training and research available to CTE instructors. “We have established robust partnerships with business and industry leaders, and our advisory boards play a crucial role in this endeavor,” she elucidated. These collaborations foster a mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge, allowing educators to glean insights from industry experts while imparting real-world context to their students. This commitment instills confidence in the audience about the educators’ abilities.

The impact of these programs is both profound and measurable. The district employs various metrics to evaluate the success of its CTE offerings. “Our graduation rates for CTE students are remarkable, as is their attendance,” Dr. Chapman shared. Additionally, engagement in social-emotional learning has been shown to enhance the overall educational experience, indicating that students in CTE programs are more actively involved than their counterparts in traditional pathways. 

This personal growth and development is truly exhilarating to witness, inspiring hope and confidence in the audience about the potential of the programs. In a celebration of the accomplishments of CTE students and staff, Dr. Chapman recently visited the Fort Hayes Career Center, where she commended their outstanding performance on the Ohio State Report Card. “What. A. Day,” she joyously proclaimed on social media, capturing the pride and commitment that permeates the program. “This exemplifies how, together, we can Dream Big to Achieve More.”

The Career Technical Education Department has also immersed students in experiential learning opportunities, such as Manufacturing Week, during which they visited premier manufacturing firms in central Ohio. Students gained invaluable hands-on experience, learning about Occupational Safety and Health Administration procedures directly from industry professionals.

The excitement continued with over 40 Northland High School’s Engineering Academy students visiting the Honda Performance Manufacturing Center, delving into cutting-edge technology, including robotic manufacturing cells and immersive virtual reality activities.

The overarching message from Columbus City Schools is clear: they are nurturing a generation of students poised to excel in their chosen fields, equipped with the skills, confidence, and connections essential for success. As Dr. Chapman remarked, “We are not merely preparing students for graduation; we are setting them on a trajectory to realize their dreams.” With such a visionary approach, Columbus City Schools is undoubtedly laying the groundwork for a bright future for its students.

Also, the assistant Principal added that the faculty “aims to strengthen further their partnerships with community organizations and create more work-based learning opportunities for our students. Currently, we have a partnership with the City of Columbus Department of Building and Zoning Services, allowing students to shadow industry experts and gain insight into the role of a city inspector. After this shadowing experience, students can apply for a paid internship during the summer.”