Ohio Cooperative Education Association

OCEA Updates & Events
We are excited to enter the new membership year and will be resuming regular communications including newsletters/updates from the OCEA Board.

As Fall semester begins, we are all thinking of creative ways to support our students as they are seeking out experiential learning opportunities or full-time positions. In that spirit, we would love to share your helpful tips and best practices. If you have resources or tips that you would like to see featured in upcoming communications, please send to Jordan Woody at Jordan.Woody@utoledo.edu. In the meantime, here are a few helpful articles and insights that were shared by our industry representatives:

Ohio’s In-Demand Jobs results help drive state and federal workforce investments.
https://topjobs.ohio.gov/survey/in-demand-jobs-survey#/Ohio Students Urged to Apply for Tech Internships.
https://businessjournaldaily.com/ohio-students-urged-to-apply-for-tech-internships/ 

 

Upcoming Events

Please Save-the-Date for both Fall Drive-In and our OCEA 2024 Conference.

This year’s Fall Drive-In will be held on November 3, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Miami Valley Gaming, 6000 OH-63, Lebanon, OH 45036.

Miami Valley Gaming is a harness racing track and casino in Turtlecreek Township, Ohio. With over 1800 gaming machines, four restaurants, and live racing, there are many student opportunities to explore.

Here are a few topics that will be covered at the Drive-In:
Networking
Tour of Miami Valley Gaming and meet with the HR team
Legal updates about internships and co-op
Choose Ohio First Scholarships
Regional Economic Development​Registration Link: 

The Annual OCEA Conference will be held in Cleveland on May 8th – May 10th at Crowne Plaza. The annual OCEA conference is an opportunity for members to connect with each other through active interchange of ideas and experiences via session topics, keynote speakers and activities. Registration will be open soon to accommodate budget requests or for those that need to plan ahead.  The Conference Planning Committee is gathering information to find out what kind of session topics and speakers you’d like to see at the conference, even if you don’t know if you will attend yet. Please answer the questions by Friday, September 22nd to help us plan the event. Here is the survey: https://cwru.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2f2KcpRzuMiclOm

If you were unable to join us at Columbus State for this past year’s conference, please check out our conference recap video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqZ0a4RxMK8&t=9s

Other Events
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Our friends at the Strategic Ohio Council for Higher Education (SOCHE) are hosting a virtual event that some of our members may be interested in. The 2023 Articulation & Transfer Conference virtual event, which will take place on Friday, Oct. 20, from 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. ET will focus on “Transfer & Alternative Pathways: Driving a Career-Focused Future."

During this virtual event, you’ll be able to hear about the latest updates in the articulation and transfer space from the ODHE, and interact with transfer and articulation colleagues from private, public, and community colleges throughout Ohio. In addition to a keynote there will be three concurrent sessions to choose from along with a panel of made up of personnel who work directly with and serve College Credit Plus (CCP) students. Click here to view the full event program and for registration details.

CEIA – Call for Proposals due November 1
Registration for the 2024 Cooperative Education and Internship Association Conference is now open.  The upcoming conference will be April 7-9, 2024, in Tampa, FL.  The call for proposals for our annual conference is now open.  Please consider submitting a proposal related to the theme, "Thriving in Changing Times". Topics could include (but not limited to):
Working with AI (Chat GPT, Bing, Bard, etc.)
Teaching, working, and engaging in the hybrid work environment
Changing interests among college students
Apprenticeships
Understanding the political landscape
Guiding international students
Employer engagement
Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging As an added feature, we will be offering a CEIA Employer Day on Tuesday, April 9, 2024.  This day will provide an opportunity to:
Network and develop relationships with programs specifically tied to majors your organization recruits
Learn best practices from other employers who have successfully operated EL programs
See new ideas and concepts in EL that have been implemented
Participate in discussions and breakout sessions so others can learn from you Consider submitting a proposal for Employer Day.

Conference proposals are due 11:59 PM on Wednesday, November 1. Here is the link: https://www.ceiainc.org/events/annual-conference-2024/submit-a-proposal/  Presenters will be notified by December 22nd.  Questions can be directed to Rich Robles (rich@ceiainc.org).

OCEA 101
Whether you are new to OCEA or plan to engage with potential members, here is an overview of OCEA including common questions that may come up!

The OCEA is a state-wide organization that brings together educators, employers, and government agencies to elevate work-based learning for students across the state. Our mission is to be a resource for best practices in work integrated learning to individuals, institutions, and organizations with invested interest in developing and retaining talent in Ohio.

Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the membership fee?
The membership is a total of $50.
What is the membership cycle?
Memberships run from July 1st – June 30th. If you renew or register during the conference registration, you will receive two months free!
What are some membership benefits?
Professional and Leadership Development Opportunities
Access to Industry Experts including Peers and Various Industries, Educational Institutions and State Agencies
Recognition and Awards for Students and Professionals
Latest Information and Trends through Member Communications, Website and Conferences
Special Membership Pricing for Two Engaging Conference Experiences (Fall Drive-In & Annual Spring Conference)
To provide 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 of ideas and best practices to benefit students and the future workforce
To provide professional development and lifelong learning opportunities for membership
To recognize outstanding programs, practitioners, and students through scholarships and awards