5 grads entering workforce receive boost for their new vocations
The Logan County Collaborative this week unveiled the recipients of its first annual Career Launch Grant. This initiative supports graduating seniors from Logan County who have committed to begin their careers with local businesses in the fields of construction, skilled trades, manufacturing or healthcare.
Five outstanding graduates have each been awarded a $1,000 grant to help them transition smoothly into their new careers. They were celebrated at a catered luncheon Thursday, May 22, at BUILD Cowork + Space, joined by their new employers, school officials and several elected officials.
The five recipients of the 2025 Career Launch Grant are:
• Preston Leatherman, Ohio Hi-Point/Riverside – PowerBuilt Material Handling Solutions (Manufacturing/Skilled Trades)
• Alyssa Mueller, Ohio Hi-Point/West Liberty Salem – Logan Acres Senior Community (Healthcare)
• Dean Reames, Ohio Hi-Point/Benjamin Logan – PowerBuilt Material Handling Solutions (Manufacturing/Skilled Trades)
• Ian Schmidt, Ohio Hi-Point/Calvary Christian – Wallace Custom Building (Construction)
• Damien Smith, Riverside – Buildcraft (Construction)
“We are getting to celebrate each of you today,” Logan County Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Vollrath said. “You could have chosen to go anywhere, but you have chosen to stay right here in Logan County. Thank you.”
These grants are designed to ease the financial burden of starting a new job, whether it means purchasing necessary tools, uniforms, transportation, housing or other essentials.
The Career Launch Grant is a new program from the Logan County Collaborative, a business advisory committee organized by the Logan County Chamber of Commerce and Midwest Regional Educational Service Center.
Scott Howell, Midwest Regional ESC superintendent, said the Logan County Collaborative is branching out with this new grant program, as the group deems it important to provide those entering the workforce with a leg up and strong community support.
“For too long, we only honored those students who were continuing on to college. We thought it was high time to recognize those high school graduates who are taking the big plunge and stepping into the workforce,” Howell said.
Logan County Commissioner Greg Fitzpatrick said he wished a program like this would have been around after his high school graduation.
“I went right into a factory job, and I needed steel toe boots, clothes and other items for my new job. This grant program would have been so helpful,” he said.
“I’m excited for Logan County that you’re staying here,” Fitzpatrick told the 2025 high school graduates.
State Rep. Tim Barhorst from the 85th District also encouraged the five recipients on their new vocational paths, noting that with Ohio’s aging population, the state is hurting for good workers.
“Companies are looking for their next young superstars, and the opportunities are endless,” he said. “Show up on time, do your job well and you will go far.”
Nick Davis also spoke representing Senator Bernie Moreno’s Office, emphasizing the senator’s strong support of the program. He also presented each of the students with a letter of commendation from Senator Moreno.
“Senator Moreno is very clear on this. These jobs matter and so do each of you,” said Davis, who also is an OHPCC graduate like four of the recipients.
The collaborative brings together local educators, community leaders, and industry leaders to strategize on how best to connect and prepare local workers for local job opportunities.
“This grant builds on the success of the 3E Initiative which equips students to equally consider employment, enlistment, and enrollment after high school,” Vollrath said.
“We want every graduate in Logan County to know that their unique talents, abilities, passions, and experiences are wanted and needed right here at home.
“With many students receiving scholarship dollars to leave the area and further their education, the Career Launch Grant is a way to incentivize and reward students choosing to stay and go straight into employment.”
This first year of Career Launch Grants was made possibly by generous donations from the following organizations: Daido Metal USA, Hurley Farms, Lee’s Comfort Shoes, LeVan’s Excavating, Lewis & Dorothy Tamplin Trust, Logan County Community Improvement Corporation, Middlefield Bank, RTC Industries, Shoffstall Funeral Home, Steve Austin’s Auto Group, Taylor Farms, and Wren’s Florist.
For more information about the Career Launch Grant or the Logan County Collaborative, please contact Ben Vollrath at the Chamber of Commerce (bvollrath@logancountyohio.com) or Karen Sorreles at the Midwest Regional ESC (ksorreles@mresc.org).