Connecting Business and Education

The Ohio Soybean Council and Education Projects partnership was recently acknowledged as “a model of connecting business and the classroom”. Education Projects pioneered the OSC-sponsored GrowNextGen education initiative that develops relevant science curriculum, brings agriculture and industry leaders into the classroom, provides professional development for teachers, and inspires students to have an interest in an agricultural career. Key players in this partnership spoke at the Governor’s Executive Workforce Board meeting:

  • Koelsen McCoy, a student from Global Impact STEM Academy in Springfield

  • Chuck Crawford, a GNG leader and teacher at Dublin Jerome High School

  • Jane Hunt, Education Projects specialist

  • Kirk Merritt, Ohio Soybean Association Executive Director

Tom Fontana, Director of Research & Education for the Ohio Soybean Council, was also present at the meeting. Fontana oversees the educational efforts of GrowNextGen. Other partnerships presenting at the meeting were the Ford Next Generation Learning and Akron Public Schools, and OhioHealth and Marion City Schools.