Belmont College to Offer Summer Program for Graduating High School Seniors in Partnership with GRIT Ohio

Pictured (left to right): Sarah Redoutey, GRIT Ohio Senior Program Manager; Lisa Duvall, GRIT Ohio Community Outreach Partner; Keith Kaczor, Belmont College Director of Industrial Trades; Leah Ann Smith Community Outreach Partner; and Dr. Carrie White, Belmont College Vice President of Academic Affairs/CAO. Not pictured,  Deborah Hill, GRIT Ohio Northeast Regional Director.

Belmont College and GRIT Ohio are partnering to offer Summer Programs for graduating high school seniors in workforce credential certifications and internship/job placement opportunities.

St. Clairsville, OH (April 9, 2025) — This summer, graduating high school seniors can take their future into their own hands with GRIT Summer Programs at Belmont College.

Belmont College is offering no cost 3-week courses for Summer 2025 thanks to funding provided by The GRIT Project (Growing Rural Independence Together). The purpose of these courses is to empower upcoming and graduating high school seniors by offering workforce credential certifications and internship/job placement opportunities.

“This summer program is designed to provide graduating high school seniors with the skills, certifications, and real-world experience needed to launch their career,” said Keith Kaczor, Director of Industrial Trades at Belmont College. “This is a great opportunity for students who are looking to gain valuable skills that can lead to immediate employment.”

All class sessions will be held from June 9 – June 27, 2025, Monday – Friday, 8:30am-2:30pm. Lunch will be provided, and vending machines are available. All programs are 12 points.

Students can choose from the following course options:

  • Drone Piloting – This course is your stepping-stone towards achieving the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Please note, background checks are necessary before taking the FAA Part 107 Pilots License.
  • Heavy Equipment Technician – Learn to diagnose and repair mechanical, hydraulic, and structural systems issues. Credential: ASE Student Certification Student Truck Brakes 4 points- CH 60; ASE Student Truck Electrical/Electronic Systems 4 points- CH 62; and ASE Student Truck Diesel Engines- CH 61.
  • HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) – Learn to install, maintain, and repair the systems that keep people comfortable year-round in their homes and at work. Credential: EPA 608 Core and Type 2.
  • Pharmacy Technician – This course prepares students to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) and are eligible to apply to earn their CPhT (Certified Pharmacy Technician) credential. Upon completion of the PTCE, students’ qualifications will meet or exceed Pharmacy Technician employment requirements in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
  • Welding – As a welder, skills will be in high demand everywhere from construction to manufacturing. Credential: SMAW 1 (stick welding) and d1.1 endorsement.

To be considered, students must complete an application form at https://www.gritohio.org/summer-training/interest-form/. Those who apply will be contacted to schedule a virtual meeting to review interest and desired program.

For more information about the GRIT Ohio Summer Programs at Belmont College, contact Lisa Duvall,  lisad@futureplans.org  or Deborah Hill, deborahh@futureplans.org.

About GRIT Ohio:

GRIT Ohio is an innovative and compelling initiative designed to forge a robust, high-demand workforce while fueling vibrant economic growth.

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