Name of Business Advisory Council: Van Wert Area Business Advisory Council

Structure: Independent collaborative (Crestview Local Schools, Lincolnview Local Schools, Van Wert City Schools, Vantage Career Center), facilitated by Van Wert Area Economic Development Corporation

 

The Van Wert Area Business Advisory Council, established in 2018, serves as a vital bridge between our local educational institutions and the business community. Comprising school superintendents, business leaders, and economic development partners, the council convenes bi-monthly to foster collaboration and communication.

Our primary objective is to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for successful careers in our communities. To achieve this, we have planned a series of events throughout the 2025-26 school year, including job fairs, hands-on career exposure, student tours, and job shadowing experiences at local businesses, manufacturing plants, and healthcare facilities. Additionally, we are proud of “Education on Location,” a three-credit college course hosted by the council. This initiative provides educators with firsthand exposure to local businesses, enabling them to incorporate relevant workforce skills into their curriculum.

Recognizing the critical need for workers in healthcare, manufacturing, and skilled trades, we partner with local stakeholders to organize the Build Your Future event, which has grown drastically to 500 students across six school districts. Through hands-on activities and informative sessions, students gained valuable insights into various careers, including various departments in a healthcare setting, manufacturing, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, welding, carpentry, and construction.

To further guide students in their career exploration, we have implemented YouScience, a program funded by Vantage Career Center, that serves 12 area school districts. This innovative platform utilizes engaging brain games to identify students’ aptitudes and matches them with high-demand careers. This empowers students to make informed decisions about their futures.
In addition to the initiatives outlined in this plan, we have facilitated connections between educators and business leaders by compiling a database of willing speakers eager to share insights about their organizations, educational pathways, and personal experiences with students.

Our overarching goal is to foster a deeper understanding of the challenges facing local employers and to forge lasting partnerships that benefit students, businesses, and residents alike in Van Wert County.