Career Learning Chronicle
May 2026
A Note from Mrs. Morris, Career Learning Principal
Students & LCs,
It’s hard to believe the school year is almost over. May is a special time because it gives us the chance to look back on how far we’ve come and look ahead to what’s next.
This month, we’re focusing on The CTE Advantage, the real-world skills, experiences, and opportunities that help students stand out and prepare for their futures. Summer can be an extension of that learning through Industry-Recognized Credentials and Work-Based Learning opportunities, helping students stay connected to their goals and continue building their pathway.
We’re also excited for our end-of-year pathway celebrations, where we can recognize the work, dedication, and progress of our students. These moments remind us that success is built one step at a time.
To our seniors: we are so proud of you and can’t wait to see what comes next. To our new students joining us: welcome to a community ready to support you and help you grow.
Thank you to our Learning Coaches for all the ways you’ve supported students this year. Your encouragement matters more than you know.
Let’s celebrate the finish and get excited for what’s ahead.
Warmly,
Mrs. Morris
Summer Goal Setting Checklist
Keep Building Your CTE Advantage
Summer is a great time to rest, recharge, and keep growing. Use this checklist to make the most of your time and stay connected to your goals.
1. Set a Goal
Choose one thing you want to improve or accomplish this summer.
☐ Learn a new skill
☐ Explore a career interest
☐ Improve communication or leadership skills
☐ Earn an Industry-Recognized Credential (IRC)
☐ Gain work experience
My summer goal: ___________________________
2. Build Your Experience
Find ways to keep growing outside the classroom.
☐ Apply for a summer job
☐ Participate in Work-Based Learning (WBL)
☐ Volunteer in your community
☐ Job shadow someone in a career field you’re interested in
☐ Attend a summer training, camp, or workshop
3. Strengthen Your Portfolio
Keep track of your accomplishments.
☐ Update your resume
☐ Add new certificates or awards
☐ Save photos of projects or work samples
☐ Ask for a letter of reference
☐ Write down new skills you learned
4. Invest in Yourself
Growth isn’t always about work.
☐ Read a book related to your career interests
☐ Practice time management and responsibility
☐ Build healthy routines
☐ Work on confidence and communication
☐ Try something new
5. Look Ahead
Start preparing for next school year.
☐ Review your pathway goals
☐ Check your graduation progress
☐ Plan for next year’s CTSO opportunities
☐ Think about certifications or experiences you want to pursue
Remember: Small steps lead to big opportunities. Use the summer to recharge, but don’t stop growing! Your future is built in the choices you make today.
CTE Applications are OPEN!
CTE Explorations students, are you interested in applying to one of OHVA's state approved CTE pathways for the 2026-27 school year?
We recently held information sessions to share about all the exciting CTE opportunities available to you next year!
If you missed the CTE info session for your grade level, check out the following resources:
Rising 9th Grade Recording Link
Rising 10th-11th Grade CTE Info Session Recording Link
Rising 10th-11th Grade Slide Deck
Rising 12th Grade CTE Info Session Recording Link
Rising 12th Grade CTE Info Session Slide Deck
We have eleven pathway programs to choose from including:
Agriculture and Environmental Systems: Animal Science and Management
Agriculture and Environmental Systems: Natural Resource Management
Arts and Communication: Media Arts
Business and Administrative Services: Business Logistics Management
Education and Training: Early Childhood Education
Engineering and Science Technologies: Engineering and Design
Finance: Finance
Health Science: Allied Health
Hospitality and Tourism: Culinary Arts
Information Technology: Cybersecurity
Information Technology: Programming and Software Development
Click here for detailed information on each of these pathways!
*Please note, if you are already a CTE pathway student, you do not need to apply again!
University of Toledo Health and Human Services Summer Camps
The University of Toledo's College of Health and Human Services has two upcoming summer opportunities that may be of interest to students who are exploring careers in healthcare. These camps provide hands-on experiences and exposure to a variety of health professions while allowing students to interact with faculty, current students and campus facilities.
Nursing & Respiratory Care Camp
📅June 16, 2026
A one-day, hands-on experience where students can explore nursing and respiratory care through interactive activities in our labs and simulation spaces.
Registration link for Nursing & Respiratory Care Camp
Health Professions Career Camp
📅 July 14–15, 2026
A two-day immersive camp designed for students who want exposure to a variety of health professions through hands-on activities and campus experiences.
Registration link for Health Professions Career Camp
BGSU Summer Camps
Bowling Green State University hosts summer camps for students to explore several areas including cybersecurity, health science, manufacturing, writing, marine biology, music, fine art, athletics, and more!
Applications are open and spots fill quickly! Sign up here!
Note that some camps are free and others have an associated cost. Financial assistance is available by applying through this link.
7th Grade Career Explorations
The successful completion of 7th grade Career Explorations with Mrs. Greenfelder is almost here! Students have focused on their interests and skills in relation to possible careers, considered post-secondary options, and researched tuition costs for trade schools and universities. Our course will culminate in students creating a new CTSO & presenting their idea with classmates.
Media Arts Students Wrap Up Internship Experience!
Our Career Tech Department is excited to celebrate our Media Arts students, led by Ms. Teeple, as they wrap up their internship experience!
During this project, students created engaging, student‑friendly videos about In‑Demand Jobs in Ohio, specifically designed for students in grades 3–5. Through research, scripting, filming, and editing, students used their creativity and technical skills to introduce career exploration at an early age.
This work connects to In‑Demand Jobs Week, a statewide initiative that highlights careers Ohio employers need now and in the future. The goal is to help students understand how their interests and education can lead to rewarding career paths.
We are proud of our Media Arts students for their hard work and for supporting career awareness across OHVA.
If you would like to learn more about In Demand Jobs Week or find local events, visit: https://topjobs.ohio.gov/week
Finance Pathway Update
Students in the Finance Pathway have been busy wrapping up coursework, completing WebXams, and earning Industry‑Recognized Credentials (IRCs).
Students enrolled in Business Foundations are finishing their second RISE Up course of the year, Customer Service & Sales. This group has earned an impressive 21 Industry‑Recognized Credentials this year. In class, students are exploring what it takes to succeed in business, identifying how their skills and interests align with potential careers, and learning the steps needed to develop a personalized career plan.
In Financial Accounting, students are completing their IRC course in Microsoft Excel and taking practice certification exams to ensure they are fully prepared to pass on their first attempt. Classroom instruction has focused on understanding the differences between accounting for not‑for‑profit organizations and for‑profit businesses.
Students in Managerial Accounting are wrapping up their QuickBooks simulation in preparation for earning the QuickBooks Certified User Industry Recognized Credential. It has been exciting to see just how much growth and learning these students have achieved throughout the year.
Amelia C. - Shark Tank Competition Winner!
Congratulations to Amelia C., our Shark Tank Competition winner!
Amelia stood out with her inspiring idea: comfort hoodies designed specifically for people who experience anxiety. Her pitch highlighted how thoughtful design elements can provide a sense of calm, safety, and support for individuals who need it most.
The Sharks were impressed by both the purpose behind her product and the compassion that drove her vision.
Culinary Arts: Food Production
Mrs. Stanley would like to congratulate all of the students in the Culinary Arts Food Production course for successfully earning their ServSafe Food Handler certification!
This achievement reflects their hard work, dedication, and commitment to learning essential food safety practices. These skills will serve them well in both their future careers and everyday life. Great job to all!
BPA National Bound - May 6-10!
We are thrilled to announce that Auri L. and Maxwell Z. are heading to the Business Professionals of America (BPA) National Leadership Conference in Nashville, Tennessee!
Auri and Max will represent OHVA on the national stage, competing against the country’s brightest students in high-stakes technical and creative events:
Auri L.: Linux Operating System Fundamentals
Maxwell Z.: Digital Media Production
This is a testament to their hard work and mastery of 21st-century business skills. We are incredibly proud of your dedication—good luck in Music City, Auri and Max! We can't wait to celebrate your success when you return.
Personal Concerns and College/Career Planning
If you are a CTE pathway student and would like support in the areas of academic planning & progress towards graduation, college and career planning, or have personal concerns (social, emotional, mental health, etc.), please reach out to your school counselor:
CTE Pathway Students with last names A-K: Mrs. Alonzo at salonzo@ohva.org or 419-482-0948 ext. 7131
CTE Pathway Students with last names L-Z: Mrs. Bard at tbard@ohva.org or 419-482-0948 ext. 7283
If you are a CTE Explorations student or are not participating in a CTE pathway right now, please reach out to your assigned school counselor, who is the teacher listed in your Finding Your Path course and School Counselor classroom. Click here for counselor contact information.
