New Learning Opportunities

OHIO has three new certificate programs offering a variety of hands-on experiences.

The first two programs, Automation Technician and Mechatronics Technician , make their OHIO debut at the Lancaster campus this academic year. Each is a five-course sequence designed to be completed in one year so students can help meet the demand for skilled manufacturing technicians as Intel and other high-tech manufacturers continue moving into central Ohio. These certificates support the goals of the Appalachian Semiconductor Education and Technical (ASCENT) Ecosystem, an initiative aimed at creating an inclusive workforce development and training program to support Ohio’s growing advanced manufacturing and semiconductor industry.

The third, a revival of the Jewish Studies Certificate in the Classics and Religious Studies Department, was introduced in fall 2022 and examines Jewish history and culture. Last spring, the certificate program included a Global Jewish Foodways course featuring hands-on learning in the kitchen; this spring, there will be a course on the history of Jewish humor. Both are taught by Sarah Livingston, executive director of Hillel at OHIO. The program also includes a revived Introduction to Jewish Studies course, offered in fall 2022 and 2023.

Main image caption: Students work with robotic equipment at the Fairfield Workforce Development Center at OHIO Lancaster. Photo by Ben Wirtz Seigel, BSVC ’02