High school students gain skills through Ready for Hire program

Mansfield News Journal
| USA TODAY NETWORK

The Ready for Hire summer program prepares high school students for careers and future independence through a blend of on-site learning and community activities.

Over the past few weeks, participants have explored various aspects of downtown Mansfield while developing confidence in many practical and life skills essential to career readiness.

The program is a collaborative initiative between Richland Newhope Industries, the Richland County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Richland Newhope) and the Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center. Its curriculum is designed to equip students with skills for the workforce and beyond. Key components include career exploration, money management, restaurant etiquette, basic first aid and CPR, driver’s license preparation, using public transportation and managing household tasks essential to personal independence.

The program includes community engagement activities that provide real-world context for the skills students are learning. Local business tours included Treeders, a small business owned by Tammi Black. Despite being visually impaired and living with cerebral palsy, Black has successfully run Treeders for 17 years. She shared her inspiring story and challenges with students, encouraging them to diligently pursue their goals.

More: Treeder’s Snack Bar Owner Celebrates 17th Anniversary at Richland County Courthouse

Time spent with a deputy sheriff provided insight into law enforcement careers, the importance of situational awareness and de-escalation techniques. Students were excited to explore a patrol car, adding a hands-on dimension to the learning experience. First aid and CPR training sessions allowed participants to perform chest compressions, use an automatic external defibrillator simulator and learn how to administer an EpiPen. The importance of Ohio’s “critical” health care jobs was highlighted.

The program also incorporates hands-on experiences like dining out to help develop social skills. After their morning with the deputy, students enjoyed lunch at Coney Island, where they practiced budgeting, table manners and tipping. These experiences are essential for developing professionalism and confidence in social settings. Cooking, a highlight of the program, greatly increases the teens’ independence and confidence. RNI’s professional coaches guide the group through the preparation of healthy recipes, emphasizing the importance of following directions and working as a team.

Students also participate in activities designed to enhance their soft skills and creativity, such as collaborative games, exploring the library for research and information literacy, visiting Richland Carrousel Park to understand local business operations, taking art classes to foster creativity and problem solving, and participating in a variety of other activities using the newly designed reading and play space to develop teamwork and strategic thinking skills.