FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Brenda Miller
Email: bmiller@techcorps.org
(COLUMBUS, Ohio | September 26, 2025) — TECH CORPS, a national nonprofit organization, will announce plans to bring pre-apprenticeship programs in the Information Technology (IT) career cluster to small and rural Ohio high schools, supported by a $200,000 State of Ohio earmark.
Ohio’s accelerating investments in semiconductors, broadband, and digital infrastructure drive strong demand for IT and IT-adjacent skills. TECH CORPS is uniquely positioned to help small and rural districts prepare students for these opportunities through structured pre-apprenticeship and work-based learning.
“Ohio Tech Day is about showcasing what students can do today and connecting them to real opportunities tomorrow,” said Lisa M. Chambers, Chief Executive Officer, TECH CORPS. “With K–12 partners and local employers, we align learning with pre-apprenticeship and work-based experiences that build essential skills, increase confidence, and open doors to in-demand technology careers.”
The Ohio Department of Education & Workforce recognizes pre-apprenticeships as work-based learning that can meet graduation pathway options and count toward College, Career, Workforce, and Military Readiness report-card measures. This gives districts a direct way to strengthen readiness metrics while students gain real experience.
“Central Ohio’s talent pipeline is strongest when students, schools, and employers build together,” said Jama Cobb, Educational Service Center of Central Ohio. “The ESC facilitates more than 400 pre-apprenticeship opportunities, with students successfully completing over 250 during the 2024–25 school year. Pre-apprenticeship experiences bridge the gap between school and work, helping students earn industry-recognized credentials, gain work-based learning hours, and take the next step toward a registered apprenticeship, college, or a successful career.”
For over 30 years, TECH CORPS has delivered high-quality, career-connected technology learning experiences across Ohio and beyond. These programs align with the nation’s most in-demand careers and equip students with the skills and confidence to succeed in a world shaped by technology.
Ohio Tech Day Event
- What: TECH CORPS Pre-Apprenticeship Showcase (Presented by TECH CORPS and hosted by the Educational Service Center of Central Ohio)
- When: Friday, September 26, 2025, 9:00–10:30 a.m.
- Where: Educational Service Center of Central Ohio, 2080 Citygate Dr, Columbus, OH 43219
- Program Highlights: TECH CORPS students and alumni will share how pre-apprenticeship experiences accelerate learning and employability. Partners will discuss why pre-apprenticeship programs, like Student TECH CORPS, matter for students and Ohio’s workforce.
- Livestream: A recorded replay will be available at com/@techcorpsUS.
Media & Partner Notes
- Interview opportunities with Lisa M. Chambers and Jama Cobb are available before or after the program.
- Student presenters and panelists will be available for brief interviews during networking.
About TECH CORPS
TECH CORPS delivers meaningful, career-connected technology programs that create opportunities for K–12 students and educators, imagining a world where every student has the skills, confidence, and opportunities to unlock the door to a successful future.
