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Ohio TechNet Consortium Initiative

NEO Opportunities in Tech
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What is the Northeast Ohio Opportunities in Tech?

The NEO Opportunities in Tech is an Ohio TechNet consortium initiative led by Lorain County Community College, Cuyahoga Community College, Stark State College and Lakeland Community College to increase our capacity to meet the Information Technology workforce needs of area employers, as well as the skill development needs of untapped talent. Partners are supported by regional economic development leaders at the Greater Cleveland Partnership and Team Northeast Ohio.

This project is funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration and is in partnership with the Ohio TechNet, a statewide consortium of over 40 community colleges, universities and technical centers focused on accelerating innovation to meet manufacturing workforce needs.

What is our purpose?

The NEO Opportunities in Tech project addresses identified workforce gaps in specific in-demand Information Technology (IT) occupations.

  • Information and Cyber Security
  • End User Support
  • Network Systems and Maintenance
  • Application / Software Development
  • Data Analytics
Students sitting at desks on their laptops

How will we do this work? 

Employer Engagement Model: Business & Industry Leadership Team (BILT) Model Expansion and curriculum redesign with integration of work-based learning

Program Design & Implementation: Curriculum course redesign to include credentials and work-based learning, and comprehensive student services to include coaching and advising

Advancing Untapped Talent Regional Engagement Strategy: Partner with Community-Based Organizations to recruit participants into IT Pathways, and to expand dual enrollment into communities where untapped talent live

How we support the student experience

The NEO Opportunities in Tech project is committed to enhancing the student experience through a comprehensive set of initiatives.

Here’s how it achieves this:

  1. Exploring IT Careers: The project provides opportunities for students to delve into various IT pathways, allowing them to explore potential career options.
  2. Student Support Services: By offering student-centric services, the project ensures that learners receive the necessary guidance and assistance throughout their educational journey.
  3. Credential Attainment: Encouraging students to pursue relevant credentials, the project empowers them with valuable qualifications that enhance their employ-ability.
  4. Targeted Coaching and Advising: Through personalized coaching and advising, students receive tailored guidance, helping them make informed decisions about their academic and professional paths.
  5. Professional Development and Networking: The project facilitates networking opportunities and fosters professional growth, connecting students with industry experts and peers.
  6. Work-Based Learning Integration: By integrating work-based learning, the project bridges the gap between classroom knowledge and real-world application, preparing students for successful careers in the IT field.

Computing & Network Operations

Cyber Security

Software Design and Engineering

Contact

Lorain County Community College Logo

Ariel Powell
apowell@lorainccc.edu

Stark State College Logo

John McNamara
JMcNamara@STARKSTATE.EDU

Cuyahoga Community College Logo

Melanie Thompson
melanie.thompson@tri-c.edu

Lakeland Community College Logo

Beth Cueni
bcueni1@lakelandcc.edu