This June, five educators from four schools - Washington Elementary School, Veritas Classical Academy, Warren Middle School, and Marietta High School - stepped out of their classrooms and into the heart of local industry through BB2C’s Summer 2025 Teacher Tours. This hands-on professional development experience gave teachers a rare opportunity to explore the workplaces shaping the future of Southeastern Ohio.

Fellowship applications are now open for the 2025-2026 academic year. Eligible applicants are current PK-12 educators in Appalachian Ohio or Fairfield County with a passion for Community and Career Connected Learning. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis with a final deadline of July 11, 2025.

This recognition underscores the collective commitment of BB2C’s partner schools, educators, businesses, community leaders, and students working together to create meaningful career pathways and opportunities.

“I’ve always enjoyed creative lesson plans,” Warren educator Kerry Farnsworth explained. “It’s exciting to let the kids try something different. If it fails, it fails — but if it succeeds, it’s amazing!” That open mindset has led to some incredible student-driven outcomes over the years.

At the end of March, Ethan and Gabby had a chance to come full circle by presenting on behalf of AI Owl at BB2C’s Discover IT Day. They are now the business representatives connecting with students from in and around Washington County to encourage and inspire students to explore career opportunities in the tech industry. This includes the opportunity to apply for the 2025 HSTI program, which is currently accepting applications from both students and businesses.

STEAM Stories is more than just a career resource—it’s a bridge between students and professionals in their communities. The project collects real-life stories from post-secondary students, professors, and professionals in various STEAM fields. Share your STEAM story to inspire students with their future careers.

Jeremy Ward, BB2C Network Director explained, “Through our work with CivicLab, we look to amplify the positive work already underway in Appalachian Ohio. System building will help us leverage partnerships and strengthen practices to continue our mission to foster relationships that inspire career choice. Dissolving barriers and aligning efforts and initiatives will lead to stronger student agency and awareness of pathways in our region.” Contact us to learn more.

“I believe many of us have a small voice of doubt in the back of our heads, questioning past decisions we have made, and wondering how to make the “right” choice for our future. Being at BB2C has taught me that you should always be encouraged to pursue your interests, discover new things, be creative, and be your own pathmaker.” Learn more about Lara’s path so far and how she can help students with their own pathways.

The recent High School Tech Internship (HSTI), supported by the Ohio Department of Development and the Office of Workforce Transformation, has provided students with invaluable experiences that enhance their resumes while fostering essential soft skills. Read about their experience and see the video they made promoting BB2C.

As we look back at the 2023-2024 school year and see all that was accomplished for our students, educators, professionals, business leaders, makers, and community members, we would like to take a moment to give thanks to you. These outcomes are a direct result of the wealth, wisdom, and work you have invested into our mission, our schools, our businesses, and our communities.

Lane Robinson, a senior at Shenandoah High School in Noble County, has a clear vision for his future. Balancing academics with his passion for agriculture, Lane is not only the president of his school’s FFA chapter, he also interned as the farm manager at Green Acres.

This September BB2C’s Network Regional Coordinator, Jordan Spence had a chance to present to the Noble Local School Board about the impact of Community & Career Connected Learning during the 2023-2024 school year.

BB2C is taking part in Marietta Community Foundation’s Annual Nonprofit Challenge, which they hold as part of Community Foundation Week each year. This year, the Nonprofit Challenge, which is sponsored by Superior Toyota in Parkersburg, WV, is the #Unselfie Challenge.

The 2024 Community & Career Connected Learning Summit is set to take place on Friday, September 20th at Washington State College of Ohio, bringing together businesses, educators, students, and community leaders in Southeastern Ohio. This dynamic event, put on by Building Bridges to Careers (BB2C) and sponsored by Syensqo and the Ohio Natural Energy Institute, is designed to bridge the gap between education and employment by aligning educational initiatives with economic development strategies.

Design it! Solve it! Create it! This is what all 5th through 8th grade students at Wolf Creek Local Schools and Noble Local Schools were asked to do through the Problem-Based Learning Challenge. Students were asked to choose one of three problems presented to them and, in groups of three or more, solve it.

In Appalachia, Ohio a unique initiative is invigorating education. The Rural Teacher Fellowship, spearheaded by OHIO University and BB2C: Building Bridges to Careers, targets teachers in rural school districts, aiming to infuse their classrooms with Community and Career Connected Learning (CCCL).

The Ohio Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation provides funding for high school students who intern with employers in technology-based positions. BB2C was selected to be the intermediary for this program for 25 counties in Southeastern Ohio. The program reimburses employers for hosting high school interns in technology-focused positions.

For Vinton County High seniors, this wasn't your run-of-the-mill interview prep. According to one student, "It helped me get ready for real-life interviews." The program isn't just about questions; it's a preparation for the unglamorous reality of the professional world.

"I'm so excited to give our students the chance to do something student-led," expressed [a] participant. "I'm learning that our students don't get many opportunities to be pushed like this, so I think they're going to be excited for the freedom and change of pace!"

Real World Problem Scenario envisions a future where students not only grasp theoretical concepts in the classroom but also apply them in real-world settings.

Our School Year 2023 (September 2022 - August 2023) Annual Report looks back on the amazing collaborations, partnerships, and outcomes.

The BB2C Network Team uses asset mapping with school, business, and community leaders interested in bridging the gap between education and emoyment in different counties in Appalachia.

Welcome to our Emily Bentley, our Education Engagement Specialist, and Jenna Stewart, our Career Pathways Specialist.

“Under the Washington, D.C. sun, a sense of achievement reverberated as the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) celebrated the graduation of 39 fellows from across Appalachia's 13 states. The 2023 class emerged from a transformative nine-month journey through the Appalachian Leadership Institute, sparking hope for their communities.”

Two different 8th-grade combined math/science classes were given two different real-world problems identified by local businesses. The solutions they came up with were innovative!

Hear from businesses and organizations and students about the impact of high school internships. Story 3/4.

Finding what they like, and what they don't like, allows students to have a clearer picture of their future.

Calling students, businesses, schools, and communities! We have paid internship opportunities available for high school students.