Business Advisory Councils

Business Advisory Councils

All Ohio school districts and Educational Service Centers need to have a Business Advisory Council. Ohio is proud to be home to over 110 Business Advisory Councils. These locally focused partnerships convene education and business leaders to engage in dialogue, build trust and identify strategies that transform the student learning experience. The on-going, intentional collaboration can result in a more responsive education system based on regional economic drivers and needs, more relevant learning experiences for students that include work-based learning opportunities and enduring partnerships between schools and local industries. 


Business Advisory Council Grants

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce is seeking applicants for Business Advisory Council Grants.

These grant funds will support opportunities for career exploration for students through Business Advisory Councils. Applicants will be selected based on existing programming or new programming that support the Quality Practices in the standard of operations of high-quality councils.

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce has prepared the following materials for potential grant applicants:

Grant applications are due February 5. Contact Michelle Washington with any questions.

Annual Business Advisory Council Plans

Business Advisory Councils are legislated by Ohio Law to submit annual plans to The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. All school districts, Educational Service Centers and Joint Vocational School districts representing school districts as Business Advisory Councils are required to submit plans in the Data Collection app through OHID by Sept. 30, 2024

Resources for Submitting Annual Business Advisory Council Plan and Award Application

Business Advisory Council Open Office Hours

The Office of Graduate Success will be holding open office hours at the following times to provide support and address any questions regarding Business Advisory Councils.  Open to all BAC members for technical assistance. Click the date and time below to join the Microsoft Teams meeting.

2024 Business-Education Leader Awards for Excellent Business Advisory Councils

Learn more about the awards and see the 2024 winners here.

Annual Business Advisory Council Joint Statements

Business Advisory Councils are legislated by Ohio law to file a Joint Statement by March 1. Statements must be publicly available. The Department created a Joint Statement Template to provide guidance on what should be included. 

BAC Strategies That Work! Building Successful Business Advisory Councils: Virtual Event

The Office of Graduate Success and the Ohio Tech Prep Regional Centers brought together education, business and industry partners to explore smart strategies and emerging ideas to build successful Business Advisory Councils That Work! 

Find a Local Business Advisory Council!

View annual highlight reports for more information on council activities across the state!

Additional Resources


Contact CareerConnections@education.ohio.gov for more information. 

Last Modified: 3/12/2025 4:18:49 PM