AIM programming expands to NCA

TIFFIN — Career and technology opportunities for students are expanding. In a press release, Vanguard-Sentinel Career and Technology Centers (VSCTC) announced the expansion of AIM Career Technical Education, currently available only at VSCTC in Fremont. "This is made possible through a collaboration between the North Central Ohio Educational Service Center (SCOESC), North Central Academy (NCA) and VSCTC organizations to provide more students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in today's competitive job market," the release states. According to the release, AIM instruction will begin this school year at NCA, 928 W. Market St. Greg Edinger, superintendent of VSCTC, said that while full AIM instruction won't begin until the 2025-2026 school year, some opportunities will be available in the second half of the upcoming school year. He said NCA's programming will initially be focused on construction/manufacturing and healthcare services, but "tEN or more programs will be available as time goes on." "The NCA location in Tiffin will use the same model (as VSCTC) with full implementation expected for the 2025-2026 school year," the release states. Edinger said AIM has been a part of VSCTC's Fremont program for the last four years and has been growing. Last year, he said, approximately 200 students participated in AIM instruction. Edinger said VSCTC applied for a Career Technology Equipment Grant to expand AIM for the benefit of additional students, which was awarded to the program. The $1.7 million from the grant and funding from Ohio's last budget allowed AIM "to expand outside our campus," he said. Edinger said that not only will AIM programming now be available in Tiffin, but locations in Ottawa County and Fostoria will also open. He said the Fostoria Learning Center would be the host location for AIM in Fostoria. Edinger said students, guidance counselors and parents will be made aware of the additional learning opportunities through AIM programming to help build interest and participation. Serving more students with AIM will help expand "the opportunity to gain skills they need for meaningful careers," Edinger said in the release. Edinger expressed gratitude for the support of Ohio State Representative Gary Click and Senator Bill Reineke, who are both strong "advocates for career tech." In addition, he said, NCA and NCOES "have been great partners to work with." In the release, Matt Wolph, NCA superintendent, said the AIM program "aligns with our mission to offer quality programs and services that help the districts we serve."