“What’s impressed me the most are the students who have started their own businesses,” Jancar says. “Whether it’s car detailing or landscaping, they’ve grinded and marketed themselves and built something really remarkable.”
Building Relationships Early
The business advisory committee has helped the school district partner with dozens of companies.
Southwest General Health Center, for instance, hosts CEP groups every year, and some students have returned for opportunities after graduation. In this way, the program can serve as a good pipeline for organizations looking to connect with future talent.
Infinium, which manufactures glass wall systems, also took part in the CEP this year, giving students a facility tour and offering paid summer internships. Vice
President of Operations Kevin Breslin says when Infinium heard about the program, they immediately saw it as something they wanted to support.
“Infinium has deep ties to Strongsville,” Breslin says. “We currently employ more than 20 Strongsville High School graduates in a variety of roles throughout our organization, and about 20% of our workforce are residents. Getting involved felt like a natural extension of who we are as