That is where ICE comes in.

This summer marks the first whole year that ICE, the Innovative Career Exploration program, has been in existence within Columbiana County.

Thanks to the county Educational Service Center, which is partnering with Leetonia Exempted School District to offer this program, ICE is funded through a 21st Century Learning Grant through 2028.

Ryan O’Donnell, who serves as ICE’s site coordinator and Leetonia school district’s family liaison, oversees the program, which is made possible due to the county’s receipt of a $982,000 grant in October 2023.

ICE students visited the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville, Pa., for a history lesson on June 18. (Submitted photo)

Leetonia receives $196,400 annually to assist grade 7-12 students with career exploration based on their interests through self-assessment.

After completion of the 90-minute online test, students receive a list of suggested career paths and then are given the chance to investigate them through job shadowing, guest speakers or field trips.

Educators hope that this program, which is completely student driven, may serve as a model to other school districts searching for non-traditional ways to access their students.

O’Donnell said that 31 students in grades 7-12 enrolled for the summer ICE program this year, which runs through July 23.

During this summer session, O’Donnell and four staff oversee a variety of activities including guest speakers and field trips to businesses like Humtown in Columbiana, which does 3D printing for manufacturers; construction sites where they can view a school building and what is all involved in building it; and even a large big box grocery store to learn about the ins and outs behind the scenes.

“The goal is for students to develop career awareness and get hands- on experience,” explained O’Donnell.

Enrollment for the ICE program in midst of the actual academic year tends to be lower due to other students’ other commitments like sports, O’Donnell said.

Generally, ICE averages 15 to 20 students per session.

If any student or business is interested in learning more about ICE, contact O’Donnell at rodonnell@leetonia.k12.oh.us or call 330-427-6594.

sujhelyi@mojonews.com