Morrow County Ready-for-Hire Program Takes Summer Program on the Road

CARDINGTON – Morrow County’s Ready-for-Hire summer program, held at the Tomorrow Center, provides enriching experiences that prepare students for careers and life after high school.

This summer, the program offered a diverse range of learning experiences through eight field trips focused on career preparation and practical skills.

Students had the opportunity to participate in activities such as photography, hiking and fishing, as well as wildlife and survival skills classes at Mount Gilead, Delaware and Mohican State Parks.

They also explored the worlds of science, history and art at COSI, the Ohio History Center and the Cleveland Museum of Art, each experience designed to develop skills relevant to their future careers.

At Mohican State Park, students developed their photography skills by hiking eight miles of the Lyons Fall Trail.

They learned how to set the light meter, ISO and shutter speed to capture memorable moments, skills crucial for careers in digital media and photography.

Back at the Tomorrow Center, students learned how to enhance their photos using professional photo editing software, providing a hands-on introduction to the tools used in professional photo editing and graphic design careers.

For many students, the highlight of their summer was a visit to the Cleveland Museum of Art. The Ready-for-Hire program provided hands-on experience in a private classroom led by art experts.

Students carefully observed, touched and held authentic suits of armor from the medieval period while learning about chainmail, breastplates and helmets.

This interaction not only brought history to life, but also introduced students to careers in museum curation and historic preservation.

After a picnic on Wade Oval outside the museum, a museum docent led students through the galleries using Harvard University’s See, Think, Wonder model, improving their critical thinking and observation skills.

The tour included a visit to the Arms and Armory Gallery, where students were challenged with thematic questions that encouraged them to consider art and fashion in innovative ways, sparking their interest in creative fields and art history.

Students also had the opportunity to create artwork in a modern gallery under the guidance of the tour guide, share their experiences and learn about the creative process, which is essential for careers in the arts.

After the tour, students explored the Ancient Egypt gallery on their own before heading to the smaller Tiffany and Fabrigie galleries.

They then visited art exhibitions from India, China and Japan and learned about indigenous artwork from North and South America, expanding their global knowledge and perspectives, which are valuable in many professional fields.

Finally, students observed modern European art, including works by Van Gogh, Picasso and Degas, gaining insight into the evolution of artistic styles and techniques.

“Trips like this are some of the most incredible learning experiences because they deeply inspire students and provide insight into the larger world around them,” said Josh Hunter, lead teacher of the Ready-for-Hire program at the Tomorrow Center.

“The trips, even to a nearby city like Cleveland, inspired students to consider futures beyond their previous horizons.”