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Ohio schools recognized for innovation in career readiness

4/7/2026

Program recognizes scalable, high-impact programs that serve underrepresented students

Classroom-workplace connections are essential to keeping pace with skills needed to be successful in postsecondary education and careers. Three Ohio school communities are among 10 selected nationwide as finalists for the Future Forward Schools Prize, supported by a partnership between the Building Hope and Britebound organizations.

This honor recognizes learning communities that help students explore and prepare for future careers beginning as early as middle school. Later this year, five winning schools will be announced and awarded prize funding.

Building knowledge, skills, and a portfolio of experiences are important to preparing for high school coursework, and every next step to follow. The Building Hope organization announced the finalists last month – including the three from Ohio:

Utica Shale Academy of Ohio in Salineville: The Appalachian Applied Skills Training Project gives students hands-on technical training, equipping them with transferable, in-demand skills and the flexibility to explore additional career pathways. Utica Shale is a dropout prevention and recovery community school sponsored by the Office of School Sponsorship at the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.
Midview Local School District in Grafton: Midview has built a K-12 continuum where career-connected learning is embedded into school culture, ensuring students graduate with the skills, industry credentials, and career clarity needed to thrive in college, the military, or the workforce.
Old Brook High School Parma Campus: Old Brook's student-centered model empowers students to simultaneously earn a high school diploma and industry-recognized credentials, combining individualized support with real-world experience to prepare students for careers and life after graduation.

The Future Forward Schools Prize is open to all K-12 public, charter, and private schools that have been in operation for at least two years and offer a career exploration and discovery program serving middle and/or high school students. In addition, schools must serve a student population that is at least 50 percent under-resourced or underrepresented.