Lake Erie College approved for Ohio Teacher Bootcamp Program

Feb. 23—Lake Erie College has been approved for Ohio's Teacher Bootcamp Program, officials recently announced, through Gov. Mike DeWine's Office of Workforce Transformation.

Lake Erie is only one of eight institutions of higher education to be selected, according to a news release.

Further, grantees are eligible to receive up to $200,000 per funding round and must provide a budget outlining the projected number of teachers and projected tuition costs.

The initiative serves to create "first-hand experiences," K-12, by connecting educators to local businesses.

According to officials, during camps, teachers dedicate several days to "immersing themselves" in respective sectors, which includes worksite visits, to complete coursework while learning about in-demand skills firsthand.

"Ohio educators understand the strengths and unique learning needs of each of their students," stated Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen Dackin. "Now, through Ohio's Teacher Bootcamp Program, our educators will have this same understanding about the skillsets being sought after in their communities to better prepare students for success in the classroom and their future careers."

Additionally, the program provides funding to reimburse institutions for tuition costs of coursework — including continuing education units or graduate credit coursework — taken by teachers at no cost to upgrade their skills, and encourages professional development to strengthen the quality of education in fields such as broadband and 5G, cybersecurity, health care, transportation, advanced manufacturing, and other trades.

"With an emphasis on in-demand jobs, teachers will help spark interest in career paths that will help our communities thrive," DeWine stated in the release.

The bootcamp award marks the second time in as many months that Lake Erie has received funding from the state, having been awarded $150,000 in grants as part of the Department of Higher Education's Teach CS Grant Program, one of only 11 colleges and universities to participate.

For more information about the Teacher Bootcamp Program, visit Workforce.Ohio.gov/TeacherBootcamp.