Grit Ohio

GRIT Summer Programs 2026 – Recap!


Ashtabula County Technical & Career Campus

Students were provided with hands-on training, career exploration, and industry-recognized credentials in aviation, healthcare, and welding. Through these immersive programs, participants gained valuable technical skills while learning directly from professionals in high-demand industries.

The Aviation Academy introduced students to careers in aviation through flight experiences, industry site visits, guest speakers, and training in unmanned aerial systems, with opportunities to pursue line-of-sight and Part 107 certifications. The Healthcare Academy prepared participants for careers in patient care through Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training, combining classroom instruction with clinical experience. The Welding Academy equipped students with foundational welding skills, safety training, and hands-on experience, leading to Stick and MIG welding certifications.

Together, these programs helped students explore career pathways, earn industry credentials, and build the skills needed for future education and employment opportunities.

Is a three-week intensive course that will give students a dynamic introduction to aviation careers and certifications. After completing their line-of-sight ground school training, students will take a test to assess their eligibility for line-of-sight certification. Students will also be provided Part 107 (Unmanned Aerial Systems) training and be eligible to participate in the Part 107 examination. They will also visit the Pittsburgh Institute of Aviation and Kent State University Aviation School to learn from leading professionals and experience real-world aviation settings. Daily guest speakers will present on diverse careers, giving students insights into fields such as piloting, maintenance, air traffic control, and more. Students will be given the opportunity to fly a glider twice and participate in the young eagles program.

Certification you will earn: After completing their line-of-sight ground school training, students will take a test to assess their eligibility for line-of-sight certification. Students will also be provided Part 107 (Unmanned Aerial Systems) training and be eligible to participate in the Part 107 examination.

Other Important Info:
Dates: June 10-July 1 (Monday-Friday)
Sundays will be rain days for flights. Saturdays will be flight days.
2 Locations: Jefferson, OH and Middlefield, OH
Must be 16 or older

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program is a short-term healthcare training program that prepares individuals to provide basic patient care under the supervision of licensed nurses. Students learn essential skills such as assisting with daily living activities (bathing, dressing, feeding), monitoring vital signs, infection control, and effective communication with patients and healthcare teams. The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experience, and upon completion, participants are eligible to take a state certification exam to become a licensed CNA.

Certification you will earn: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Other Important Information:
Dates: June 1-12 (1st session) & June 22- July 3 (2nd session)
Location: Vienna, OH
Must be 16 years or older

The Welding Academy is designed to equip students with foundational welding skills and industry experience. Held at A-Tech, the academy will blend classroom instruction with hands-on training, enabling students to complete at least one 30-hour welding certificate. Throughout the course, students will learn essential welding techniques and safety practices, gaining the technical skills needed to begin a career in the field. Instruction will focus on critical areas such as MIG, TIG, and arc welding, as well as metal preparation and cutting. Additionally, students will practice troubleshooting and gain insight into industry best practices.

Certifications you will earn: Stick & Mig

Other Important Information:
Dates: June 8-July 2
Location: Jefferson, OH
Must be 16 years or older

Belmont College

Students had hands-on training and exposure to high-demand skilled trades and technical careers through immersive experiences in HVAC/R, welding, and flooring installation.

Students in the HVAC/R program explored heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems while earning industry-recognized credentials, including ESCO HVAC Excellence, EPA 608, and Recovery & Evacuation certifications. The Welding program introduced participants to welding, fabrication, and advanced manufacturing through hands-on training in Belmont College’s welding facility, leading to the American Welding Society D1.1 certification. Students also gained exposure to automation and robotic welding technologies. The Flooring program connected students directly with industry professionals, teaching installation techniques and trade-specific skills while providing an International Training Certificate through the World Floor Covering Association.

Together, these programs helped students build technical skills, earn valuable credentials, and explore education, apprenticeship, and employment pathways in growing industries.

This hands-on HVAC/R summer experience introduces rising high-school seniors to high-demand careers that keep buildings, hospitals, manufacturing facilities, and data centers running. Students explore HVAC/R systems—climate control, ventilation, and refrigeration—while gaining exposure to installation, diagnostics, controls, and emerging technologies. Training is aligned to real workplace expectations and supported by industry partners, providing a strong technical foundation and a clear entry point into HVAC/R pathways through Belmont College.

Credentials you will earn: ESCO HVAC Excellence | EPA 608 | Recovery and Evacuation

This immersive summer program introduces students to welding, fabrication, and advanced manufacturing careers. Training takes place in Belmont College’s welding facility, where students practice foundational skills such as Stick (SMAW) welding and torch cutting while being introduced to automation and robotic welding concepts. Instruction is connected to modern manufacturing environments and leads to an entry-level credential and exploration of education, apprenticeship, and employment pathways.

Credentials you will earn: American Welding Society D1.1 Certification | Builds toward MIG I & TIG I instruction

This immersive workshop introduces professional floor covering as a skilled trade with clear employment pathways. Students train directly with a Master Installer, learning industry-standard installation techniques and the precision required for professional work. Participants earn an International Training Certificate and gain access to job placement opportunities through the World Floor Covering Association’s Jump Start program.

Important Info: this is a 1 week program. Program runs June 8-12th. This program will be held at Morgan County High School in McConnelsville, OH

Certificate you will earn: International Training Cert through the World Floor Covering Association

East Palestine High School

This program provided students with hands-on training, industry-recognized credentials, and career exploration opportunities in manufacturing, healthcare, and information technology. Through immersive learning experiences, participants developed technical and professional skills aligned with high-demand career fields.

Students in the Manufacturing Program gained experience in safety, tools, measurement, machine operations, and lean manufacturing while earning credentials such as OSHA 10, CPR/First Aid, Forklift Operator Certification, and Six Sigma Yellow Belt. The Healthcare Program prepared students for entry-level healthcare careers through classroom instruction, skills labs, and clinical experiences, leading to eligibility for the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) credential. The IT & Cybersecurity Program introduced students to technical support, systems management, and cybersecurity fundamentals while preparing them for the Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST): IT Support certification.

Together, these programs helped students build workforce-ready skills, earn valuable credentials, and explore education and career pathways in growing industries.

Students will explore the fundamentals of modern manufacturing through hands-on lab experiences and real-world problem solving. This course builds skills in safety, tools, measurement, and machine operations while introducing industry practices like lean manufacturing. Students can earn multiple certifications and develop the technical and professional skills needed for high-demand careers in the manufacturing industry.

Credentials you will earn: OSHA 10, CPR / First Aid, Forklift Operator Certification, Six Sigma Yellow Belt, Mobile Elevated Work Platform (Man Lift), Tool Identification & Safety, PPE & Safety Compliance

Other Important Information: You must be 18 years of age and hold a valid driver’s license to obtain your forklift certification (not a requirement to participate in this program).

This program prepares students for entry-level healthcare careers through a combination of online learning, skills labs, and clinical experiences. Students will gain hands-on training in patient care, safety, and emergency response while working toward earning their Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) credential. Ideal for students interested in nursing or healthcare careers.

Credential you will earn: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Other Important Information: Age Requirement: Must be 17 years or older by June 15th

This course introduces students to the fast-growing field of IT and cybersecurity. Students will learn how to troubleshoot devices, support users, manage systems, and protect data from cyber threats. Through hands-on labs and guided instruction, participants will prepare for industry certification while building skills for careers in technology and IT support.

Credential you will earn: Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST): IT Support

Hocking College

The Summer Film Workshop provided students with an immersive, residential workforce training experience focused on media production, digital communications, and nonprofit storytelling. Hosted by Hocking College, the three-week program gave participants hands-on experience across the full production process, including story development, filming, editing, and presentation.

Through real-world projects and collaborative learning, students developed technical and professional skills while creating portfolio-ready work that highlighted Appalachian culture, place, and lived experience. The program emphasized industry-standard production practices, teamwork, and creative problem-solving, preparing participants for entry-level roles, internships, and postsecondary pathways in media, communications, and the arts.

Students also earned the C4 Canon Cinema Camera Certification, a credential certified through Hocking College that validated their proficiency with professional filmmaking equipment. Together, these experiences helped students build valuable workforce skills and gain meaningful exposure to careers in the growing media and creative industries.

The Summer Film Workshop is a three-week, immersive residential workforce training program led by Hocking College and hosted on its Nelsonville campus. Designed for rising and graduating high school seniors, the program prepares students for entry-level roles and continued education in media production, digital communications, and nonprofit storytelling through hands-on, field-based instruction. Participants engage in the full production cycle—story development, filming, editing, and presentation—while building portfolio-ready work that reflects Appalachian place, culture, and lived experience. The workshop emphasizes real-world production practices, professional collaboration, and industry-aligned expectations, positioning students for direct workforce entry, internships, or postsecondary pathways in the arts, media, and communications fields.

Credential you will earn: C4 – Canon Cinema Camera Certification (This Credential is Certified through Hocking College)

Other Important Information: Must be 16 years or older

Shawnee State University (Bear Tracks)

The Shawnee State Bear Tracks Program provided students with immersive, residential training experiences in entrepreneurship, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. Through hands-on learning and industry-connected instruction, participants developed workforce-ready skills while exploring high-demand career pathways.

Students in the Entrepreneurship & Social Media track gained knowledge in business development, digital marketing, graphic design, and AI applications for business, while connecting with local entrepreneurs through mentorship opportunities. The Healthcare track prepared participants for allied health careers through classroom instruction and clinical experiences, leading to the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) credential. The Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering Technology track introduced students to robotics, programming, circuits, 3D design, electromechanical systems, and manufacturing technologies while earning the OSHA 10 credential.

Together, these experiences helped students build technical skills, industry knowledge, and professional confidence while preparing for future education, entrepreneurship, and careers in growing industries.

Prepare for a career in business by understanding ways the most popular SM platforms interact and engage with users, identifying techniques an organization can use to leverage social media presence to build meaningful relationships with key audiences, and evaluating the success or failure of SM presence based on basic measures of engagement.
 
This entrepreneurship preparation portion of the program is designed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with essential skills and tools to start their own businesses. Participants will receive training in an entrepreneurial mindset to foster resilience, creativity, and opportunity recognition—key traits for successful business ownership.
 
As part of the program, they’ll earn certificates in graphic design for branding and marketing, and AI for Business for efficient business operations. In addition to technical skills, the program includes a valuable mentorship opportunity where participants connect with established entrepreneurs in their chosen fields, allowing for personalized guidance and networking.
 
With this comprehensive approach, participants will leave with a strong foundation and practical resources to launch and grow their ventures confidently.

This in-depth course will train you to become a phlebotomist, a medical professional trained to draw blood through venipuncture for testing, research, donations, and more. Gainful employment in the field of allied healthcare is within the arm’s reach. Hospitals, blood banks, and other medical facilities are continuously in need of experienced phlebotomists who carry proper training and certification. Clinical experiences are included in this track.

Credential you will earn: Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)

Requirements: Must be 18 and have HS Diploma or GED

This three‑week summer program introduces students to the foundational concepts and hands‑on skills used across advanced manufacturing and engineering technology. Participants will engage in engineering technology foundations such as robotics and programming, circuits and electricity, 3D part design, and electromechanical systems using industry equipment such as robots and electromechanical trainers. Students will also practice applied manufacturing skills such as mechanical systems and 3D printing. The program includes exposure to industry safety and quality practices, opportunities to explore multiple engineering technology majors, and sessions with regional employers—particularly highlighting pathways leading to high‑demand roles in manufacturing in the region and across the state. This experience helps participants build technical aptitude, career awareness, and confidence in applied engineering and manufacturing fields. 

Credentials you will earn: OSHA 10