Are you a graduating high school senior looking to gain some valuable skills that can lead to immediate employment? Are you hoping to go to college at some point but want to work first and save some money? The GRIT Project has a program for you!
Summer Programs

Shawnee State University
940 Second Street
Portsmouth, OH
June 5 – 23, 2023 (On campus 3 weeks)
- Healthcare Program
- Business Program
- Education Program
- Technology Program
- Manufacturing Program
June 5-30, 2023 (On campus 4 weeks)
- Healthcare Program

Pickaway-Ross Career & Technology Center
895 Crouse Chapel Rd
Chillicothe, OH 45601
June 5-16, 2023 (8am – 3pm, 2 weeks)
- Manufacturing Program
June 19-30, 2023 (8am – 3pm, 2 weeks)
- Manufacturing Program

Rio Grande Jackson Center
980 East Main Street
Jackson, OH 45640
June 5 – August 11, 2023 (one day a week)
- Healthcare Program (Fridays 9am – 1pm)
Rio Grande McArthur Center
307 West High Street
McArthur, OH 45651
June 5th – July 7th (Two options two days a week)
- Healthcare Program (Mondays & Wednesdays 12:30pm – 4pm OR 4:30pm – 8pm)
Through the GRIT Project’s partnerships with local training providers, graduating high school seniors can attend a focused training program and then receive assistance connecting with employers. All workforce training is offered at no charge to the participants and is made possible by the GRIT Project funds.
To be considered, review the available program options and submit the simple application form below. You will be contacted to schedule a virtual meeting to review your interest and desired program.
Not sure if this is right for you? Complete the form and schedule a time to speak to a GRIT Project coordinator who can answer all your questions.
From the 2023 summer program:
2023 Program Details:
Track | Credential | Description | Dates | Location |
Healthcare | Phlebotomy | This in-depth course will train you to become a Phlebotomist, a medical professional trained to draw blood through venipuncture for the purposes of testing, research, donations, and more. Gainful employment in the field of allied healthcare is within 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. | June 5 – 23, 2023 | Shawnee State University, Portsmouth, OH |
Healthcare | EMT – Emergency Medical Technician | Positions for emergency medical technicians are available in private ambulance companies, hospitals, industry, fire departments, 911 dispatch offices, and the armed forces. Law enforcement agencies, park services, ski patrols, and other groups train their personnel to become EMT-Bs or paramedics as part of their duties. To earn certification, participants must be 18 with a high school diploma or equivalent, hold a current valid driver’s license, complete medical record with recent TB, Tetanus, MMR, and Hepatitis B vaccines, sign a criminal history statement, pass a drug screen and background check. Clinical experiences are included in this track. | June 5 – June 30, 2023 | Shawnee State University, Portsmouth, OH |
Business | Social Media for Business and Microsoft Office Certificate | 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. Participants will also earn six hours of college credit by completing the Microsoft Office Certificate. | June 5 – 23, 2023 | Shawnee State University, Portsmouth, OH |
Education | Child Development Associate (CDA) | This track will prepare students to earn the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, the most widely recognized credential in early care and education and the first and most important step you can take to advance your career. Participants will complete First Aid, CPR, Child Abuse and Neglect Recognition and Prevention, Management of Communicable Disease, and all required trainings for employment in the child care industry. This track includes an internship experience in a preschool setting. | June 5 – 23, 2023 | Shawnee State University, Portsmouth, OH |
Technology | IT Desktop Support Specialist | A desktop support specialist is an information technology (IT) professional who maintains computer hardware and software systems. They are responsible for installing new programs, managing updates, and providing technical support. Desktop support specialists often deal with clients who are having trouble with their systems, which can frustrate customers. These specialists should have outstanding customer service skills, such as active listening and empathy that equip them to calm customers and provide a satisfactory resolution. | June 5 – 23, 2023 | Shawnee State University, Portsmouth, OH |
Manufacturing | CPT 4.0 Safety and Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt | With modern technology, computers, and continued progress, companies across industries and around the world use advanced manufacturing. You can apply your passion for technology, machinery, design, and products through several career options. This course will provide two certifications. Participants will begin the Certified Production Technician 4.0 program and earn the Safety certification. Participants will also earn the Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt. Lean Six Sigma is a discipline used to help organizations deliver customer value through efficient operations and quality standards. Industry visits and job-shadowing opportunities are included in this track. | June 5 – 23, 2023 | Shawnee State University, Portsmouth, OH |
Manufacturing | Fanuc Robotics and Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt | Receive hands-on instruction in FANUC Robotics that will lead to a credential and prepare you for immediate employment in the manufacturing field. Students will also receive instruction in the basics of Lean Six Sigma through the Yellow Belt credential which teaches problem-solving, critical thinking, and process improvement. This credential is recognized across all career pathways and demonstrates a readiness to be an active employee that is willing to work through difficult challenges. | June 5 – 16 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Pickaway-Ross Career & Technology Center, 895 Crouse Chapel Rd, Chillicothe, OH 45601 |
Manufacturing | Fanuc Robotics and Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt | Receive hands-on instruction in FANUC Robotics that will lead to a credential and prepare you for immediate employment in the manufacturing field. Students will also receive instruction in the basics of Lean Six Sigma through the Yellow Belt credential which teaches problem-solving, critical thinking, and process improvement. This credential is recognized across all career pathways and demonstrates a readiness to be an active employee that is willing to work through difficult challenges. | June 19 – 30 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Pickaway-Ross Career & Technology Center, 895 Crouse Chapel Rd, Chillicothe, OH 45601 |
Healthcare | EKG | This course will train you to become an EKG technician. | June 5 – August 11, 2023 Fridays 9am – 1pm | Rio Grande Jackson Center 980 East Main Street Jackson, OH 45640 |
Healthcare | Phlebotomy | This course will train you to become a Phlebotomist. | June 5 – July 7, 2023 Monday & Wednesdays 12:30pm – 4pm OR 4:30pm -8pm | Rio Grande McArthur Center 307 West High Street McArthur, OH 45651 |
Apply for Summer 2023 Workforce Training
Complete this form to apply for summer 2023 workforce training opportunities sponsored by the GRIT Project. A program coordinator will schedule a time to speak to you directly regarding your questions and how to finish your enrollment.