Ohio Cooperative Education Association

Greetings valued members and partners of OCEA!

We are excited to present our second newsletter, which aims to highlight the identity and purpose of
OCEA as the Ohio Cooperative Education Association. As a statewide organization, we strive to unite educators, employers, and government agencies in order to enhance work-based learning opportunities for students throughout the state. Our goal is to serve as a valuable resource for individuals, institutions, and organizations who are dedicated to fostering and retaining talent in Ohio through the implementation of effective work integrated learning practices.

As we approach the end of 2023, we are filled with anticipation for the New Year ahead. We would like to extend our warmest wishes to all our members and their families for a joyful and secure holiday season! We also want to take this opportunity to express our gratitude for your continued support and participation in OCEA. We have truly enjoyed making memorable moments with you throughout the past year, and we look forward to creating even more valuable experiences together in the coming year. As the winter break approaches, we encourage you to take some time off, cherish precious moments with your loved ones, and recharge for the exciting year ahead. It is important to prioritize self-care and relaxation during this time, allowing yourself to rejuvenate and embrace the opportunities that the upcoming year holds.

Celebrating OCEA's 2023 Events and Achievements:
As we take a moment to reflect on the past year, we are thrilled to acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable achievements of OCEA. Throughout the year, we organized several impactful events that brought together our valued members and partners. One of the highlights was the OCEA Columbus Conference, where we had the opportunity to connect, learn, and exchange ideas with professionals in the field of cooperative education. Additionally, we had the pleasure of networking, which provided a platform for fostering meaningful connections and collaborations.

Another significant milestone was our OCEA 2023 Fall Drive-In, hosted by Miami Valley Gaming. This event was a resounding success, with over 30 attendees who engaged in enriching dialogue and had the opportunity to learn about the fascinating history of Miami Valley Gaming. We were also fortunate to have a guided tour of their exceptional facility, further enhancing our understanding of the cooperative education landscape.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who were able to attend any of our events and contribute to the positive impact on cooperative education in Ohio. Your presence and active participation have been instrumental in making these events successful and meaningful. We invite you to take a look at the pictures below from these events, capturing the memorable moments we shared together.

As we look ahead to the upcoming year, we want to assure you that the OCEA board has been working diligently to provide even more meaningful experiences. We are committed to organizing events, workshops, and conferences that will further enhance cooperative education in Ohio. We value your input and encourage you to share any ideas or suggestions you may have for future events. Together, we can continue to create opportunities for growth and advancement in the field of cooperative education. Once again, thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to an exciting and successful year ahead.

Upcoming Events:
We are excited to share information about the upcoming events, conferences, and workshops that OCEA will be organizing or participating in during the winter season. We encourage all our members to mark their calendars and actively participate in these valuable opportunities.
Firstly, we are thrilled to announce the theme of our 2024
Spring Annual Conference: "Bridging Education and Industry: The
Power of Work-based Learning." This conference will be held in Cleveland from May 8th to May 10th at the Crowne Plaza. The annual OCEA conference serves as a platform for members to connect with one another, engage in active interchange of ideas and experiences, and benefit from session topics, keynote speakers, and various activities.

Here are some ways you can get involved:
1.   Register now by clicking on this link: Registration Link
2. Call for Proposals: If you have valuable insights or experiences to share, we invite you to submit a proposal by January 26, 2024.
3. Sponsorships: We offer Silver, Gold, and Platinum sponsorship levels, each with its own set of benefits. These sponsorships provide an excellent opportunity for organizations to showcase their support for cooperative education and gain visibility among conference attendees. Benefits include conference registrations, tickets for the OCEA Annual Awards Dinner Banquet, logo signage, recognition on program materials, and promotion on LinkedIn.

Additionally, we are excited to announce the availability of scholarships. Emily will provide further details and verbiage regarding these scholarships.
We encourage all our members to take advantage of these opportunities and actively participate in the upcoming events, conferences, and workshops. Your involvement and contributions are vital to the success of OCEA and the advancement of cooperative education in Ohio. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing you at these upcoming events!

Volunteer Opportunities:

If you are interested in volunteering for a conference committee, please feel free to contact Eric McGarvey at emcgarvey@summeronthecuyahoga.com. He will be able to provide you with more information and guide you through the process of joining the committee.

OCEA Membership Benefits

Please ensure that your OCEA membership is up to date and encourage potential members to join. Here is an overview of the fantastic benefits you can enjoy as an OCEA member:
1. Professional and Leadership Development Opportunities: Access workshops, webinars, and conferences that enhance your professional skills and leadership abilities.
2.Networking with Industry Experts: Connect with peers, professionals from various industries, educational institutions, and state agencies to exchange ideas and gain valuable insights.
3.Recognition and Awards: OCEA recognizes outstanding students and professionals through awards and scholarships, providing well-deserved recognition for their achievements.
4. Stay Informed: Receive the latest information and trends in work-integrated learning through member communications, the OCEA website, and conferences.
5.Special Membership Pricing: Enjoy discounted rates for two engaging conference experiences—the Fall Drive-In and the Annual Spring Conference.
OCEA's

Objectives:
·  To serve as a professional organization for all Ohio institutions of secondary and postsecondary education, employers/organizations, students, and individuals interested in work-integrated learning.
·  To expand knowledge and advocate for participation in, research, and support for work-integrated learning in Ohio.
·  To strengthen work-integrated learning programs through active collaboration, sharing ideas, and implementing best practices for the benefit of students and the future workforce.
·  To provide professional development and lifelong learning opportunities for our members.

·  To recognize outstanding programs, practitioners, and students through scholarships and awards.
By being an OCEA member, you gain access to a supportive community, valuable resources, and opportunities for professional growth. Don't miss out on these benefits—renew your membership today and encourage others to join OCEA!

Closing Remarks
We want to thank each of you for the continued support and dedication of our OCEA members. We wish everyone a joyful winter holiday season and a prosperous new year!

Contact Information
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our OCEA members for their unwavering support and commitment. As we approach the winter holiday season, we wish each and every one of you joy and happiness, and a prosperous new year filled with success. Stay connected with us by following Ohio Cooperative Education Association on LinkedIn for the latest updates and news.

If you have any questions, suggestions, or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at OCEAInbox@gmail.com. We value your feedback and are here to assist you. Thank you once again for being a part of OCEA, and we look forward to continuing our journey together in the coming year.