COLUMBUS, Ohio — A new state investment is bringing expanded technology career opportunities to rural Ohio students, including those in Pickaway County, as TECH CORPS rolls out its registered technology pre-apprenticeship program to more small-town and rural school districts.
Through a $100,000 annual appropriation included in House Bill 96, TECH CORPS is expanding its Student TECH CORPS: Tech Support program to high schools designated as “Rural” or “Small Town” by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. The funding, championed by State Rep. Melanie Miller, is aimed at addressing Ohio’s growing demand for skilled technology workers by opening doors for students who have historically had limited access to career-connected tech education.
“Ohio’s economic future depends on a strong technology workforce,” Miller said. “By investing in career-connected programs for rural students, we are creating pathways that help fill critical workforce gaps.”
The funding removes barriers that previously limited TECH CORPS’ ability to serve smaller districts. Participating schools can now offer students a registered pre-apprenticeship program that includes technical training, a pre-apprenticeship certificate, work-based learning hours, the OhioMeansJobs-Readiness Seal, and industry-recognized credentials tied to high-demand, high-wage careers.
“For years, we recognized the need for career-connected technology programs in rural communities, but lacked the initial investment to scale that work,” said Lisa M. Chambers, CEO of TECH CORPS. “This funding allows us to meet communities where they are and demonstrate the kind of impact that attracts future investment.”
Early Impact Seen at Teays Valley Schools
At Teays Valley Schools, the program is already producing results. Launched at the start of the 2025–26 school year, the Student TECH CORPS program integrates 120 hours of applied IT training into the school day, giving students hands-on experience with hardware, software, networking, and customer support.
During the fall semester, 100% of eligible students earned a pre-apprenticeship certificate, and nearly 60% completed work-based learning hours toward graduation requirements. A second student cohort began in January, further expanding access.
“As soon as the funding was announced, I reached out to TECH CORPS,” said Beth Keplar, Director of Teaching and Learning at Teays Valley Schools. “We wanted our students to graduate with credentials and real-world experience that strengthen their resumes.”
Teays Valley High School teacher Anthony Costa, who led two student cohorts, said the program helps students connect classroom learning with real careers.
“Students see how technology applies to the workforce and their own lives,” Costa said.
For students, the impact has been both practical and personal. Senior Ryan Hall said the program boosted his confidence and helped clarify his future career path, while freshman Billie Jeane Hall said the experience transformed technology from an abstract concept into a tangible skill set.
TECH CORPS provides participating schools with industry-aligned curriculum, educator training, and ongoing instructional support to help ensure long-term sustainability.
“The resources TECH CORPS provides are invaluable,” Costa said. “They’ve helped me grow as an educator and helped my students gain confidence—well beyond this funding cycle.”
