Fueling Ohio’s Future Workforce: LCJVS Honors 140 Interns Shaping the State’s Economic Momentum

Ohio’s future is being built by the hands and minds of Lorain County JVS students. On October 14, 2025, Lorain County JVS will host the annual Summer Internship Dinner at the Ross Expo Center, honoring 140 high school interns and 106 industry partners who are redefining how education, industry, and innovation intersect across the Buckeye State.
The event underscores Ohio’s leadership in workforce innovation, as the state ranks among the Top 5 in the U.S. for doing business, is #1 in the Midwest for public-private infrastructure investment, and remains a Top 3 state for economic development projects and megaproject investments.
Empowering Ohio’s Next Generation of Talent
This year’s Lorain County JVS interns collectively completed 40,382 work-based learning hours and earned more than $575,000 in gross payroll, demonstrating how education and industry partnerships directly fuel regional economic growth.
“The Lorain County JVS internship program is where education and industry meet to power Ohio’s economy,” said Dr. Glenn Faircloth, Superintendent of Lorain County JVS. “Our students contribute to real economic outcomes and graduate ready to lead.”
Lorain County JVS recently earned a five-star rating on the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce’s 2024–25 State Report Card, underscoring the district’s excellence in preparing students for career success and its alignment with Ohio’s most in-demand sectors — including advanced manufacturing, healthcare, technology, and skilled trades.
“Each student represents a success story in the making,” said Michelle McClintic, High School Supervisor at Lorain County JVS. “Their commitment and professionalism reflect the power of hands-on education and the promise of Ohio’s future workforce.”
“Our students aren’t just participating in internships — they’re contributing meaningfully to the economy,” added Megan Champagne, Associate Principal of Lorain County JVS. “They’re stepping into roles that require real skills, real accountability, and real purpose. That’s what makes our program transformative.”
State and Regional Leaders Headline the Event
The evening will feature insights from Ohio’s leading workforce and economic development voices:
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Dee Smith, Executive Director, Ohio ACTE
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Matt Dolan, CEO and President, Team NEO
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Kristina Clouse, Senior Managing Director, Talent, JobsOhio
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Dr. Glenn Faircloth, Superintendent, Lorain County JVS
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Rex Engle, President, LCJVS Board of Education
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Kathy Quintiliano, Vice President, LCJVS Board of Education
“Ohio’s collaborative approach to talent development continues to be a model for the nation,” said Matt Dolan, Team NEO. “The partnerships represented at Lorain County JVS show how education and business can work together to fuel innovation, growth, and opportunity across the state.”
“What we’re witnessing is the true impact of community investment in education,” said Rex Engle, President of the LCJVS Board of Education. “Every hour a student spends learning on the job is an investment in Ohio’s future — one that pays dividends for families, employers, and the state’s economy.”
“Lorain County JVS has become a cornerstone of opportunity for young people,” added Kathy Quintiliano, Vice President of the LCJVS Board of Education. “We’re not just building careers — we’re building confidence, purpose, and leadership among our students.”
Building Bold Partnerships for Ohio’s Economy
The Summer Internship Dinner celebrates Lorain County JVS’s expanding network of strategic partnerships — including Team NEO, JobsOhio, Lorain County Community College, Aerozone Alliance, ONE Lorain County, Lorain County Community Development, MAGNET, Manufacturing Works, Lorain County Chamber of Commerce, Ohio TechNet, the Ohio Economic Development Association, and the Ohio Chamber of Commerce — all working together to create sustainable talent pipelines, drive innovation, and strengthen Ohio’s global competitiveness.
“ONE Lorain County is proud to stand alongside Lorain County JVS as we connect employers, educators, and community leaders to drive the region’s talent strategy,” said Lisa Hutson, Executive Director of ONE Lorain County. “When we invest in students, we’re investing in the future of our economy and the strength of our communities.”
“Lorain County JVS continues to be one of the most impactful workforce partners in our region,” added Tony Gallo, President & CEO of the Lorain County Chamber of Commerce. “By aligning education with industry needs, they’re not just preparing students for jobs — they’re preparing them to lead Ohio’s workforce forward.”
“This event reflects the best of Ohio — collaboration, innovation, and investment in our people,” said Kristina Clouse of JobsOhio. “Our workforce is the reason Ohio continues to attract world-class companies and secure record-breaking economic development projects.”
Driving Ohio’s Economic Future
As Ohio continues to attract record-setting investments from companies like Intel, Honda-LG Energy Solution, First Quality, and Anduril, Lorain County JVS stands as a statewide model for career-technical education (CTE) excellence. The Summer Internship Dinner demonstrates how real-world learning experiences translate into economic power — equipping students with the skills, credentials, and confidence to shape the next generation of Ohio’s industries.
“Career. Growth. Opportunity.” This isn’t just a theme for Lorain County JVS — it’s a measurable impact that extends from the classroom to the boardroom, strengthening Ohio’s workforce for generations to come.