On Tuesday, May 1st, students and staff from all seven campuses in Ohio attended “Legislative Day” at the state’s Capitol Building in Columbus, Ohio, organized by the Ohio Association of Career Colleges. Along with other career colleges, representatives from National College met with state legislators to share the positive impact its graduates have made to Ohio and its economy.
Joe DeLuca, Campus Director of National’s $$Columbus Campus, said it is important to attend events like Legislative Day so legislators will learn the “staying” power of National College graduates. He said, “We educate Ohioans in high demand career fields and help them find jobs in local businesses; our students live, work, play, and stay in Ohio.”
During Legislative Day, participating National College students and staff personally met with Ohio legislators and offered examples of how lives were changed with new careers. Student Joshua Balko shared his own personal story of success with Senator Joe Schiavoni who represents Ohio’s 33rd District. He was born and raised in Northeastern Ohio. After graduating from high school, he joined the Marines and served two tours in Iraq but due to an injury he could not continue his service. Shortly after he returned home, he enrolled in pharmacy technician program at the $$Youngstown Campus. The day and evening courses available at National College gave Joshua the flexibility he needed to manage family time while working a full-time job and attending classes. In addition, he managed to complete an externship with Rite Aid Pharmacy in Boardman, Ohio where he was offered a job upon graduation. He will graduate this May with a job offer already in hand.
Renee Long from the $$Akron Area Campus told Representative Kathleen Clyde’s Legislative Aide Faith Oltman, that she was able to enroll in the medical assisting degree program with the support she received from the Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG). The tuition assistance from OCOG combined with institutional grants from National College gave her an opportunity to pursue a new career. Like many National College students, Renee is a hard working adult with family responsibilities. While helping to care for her son after a severe car accident, the medical staff at the hospital where he son was receiving care told her she was a “natural.” They encouraged her to look into training in the medical field. Two shorts years later she is looking forward to starting an externship this summer and putting her classroom knowledge to practical use.
Student Joshua Balko is pictured at "Legislative Day" talking to Senator Joe Schiavoni who represents Ohio’s 33rd District.
