GRIT Summer Programs 2025

Jefferson, OH
These are commuter programs and students should plan to travel to campus each day. There is
a remote option for the Environmental Sustainability and Small Business Academy, students
from any of the 32 Ohio Appalachian counties can apply.

Is a five-week summer program designed to introduce
students to essential skills and knowledge in the hospitality and service industries. Taking place
at A-Tech, the academy combines interactive classroom sessions with practical, hands-on
training that covers customer service, food safety, event planning, and basic culinary skills.
Students will also learn about hospitality management principles, such as teamwork,
communication, and problem-solving, preparing them for entry-level roles or further education in
hospitality and service fields. To give students real-world exposure, the program partners with
local businesses like top hotels, restaurants, and event venues. Field trips to these
establishments will allow students to observe professionals in various service settings and
understand how hospitality skills are applied in diverse roles

Is a four-week course that will give students a dynamic introduction to
aviation careers and certifications. After completing their line-of-sight ground school training,
students will take a test to assess their eligibility for line-of-sight certification. They will also visit
the Pittsburgh Institute of Aviation and Kent State University Aviation School to learn from
leading professionals and experience real-world aviation settings. Daily guest speakers will
present on diverse careers, giving students insights into fields such as piloting, maintenance, air
traffic control, and more. Students will be given the opportunity to fly a glider twice and
participate in the young eagles program. Each student will be given a mentor that will continue
to encourage them in the aviation field. There are many employment opportunities within the
aviation field. Annie, a former aviation academy student, stated, “I do not know what I want to
do but I know that the sky’s the limit.”

Will be a five-week hybrid program based at A-Tech
but as a hybrid program that can be offered across Appalachia, focusing on wastewater
management specific to each county. Through a combination of online learning and in-person
experiences, participants will gain practical knowledge in sustainable practices and wastewater
systems, tailored to address local environmental challenges. This academy will foster
awareness of regional issues and equip participants with skills to promote sustainability in their
communities

The Entrepreneurship and Small Business Certification (ESB)
certification is built to test and validate foundational concepts and knowledge in
entrepreneurship and small business management. Last year sixteen students participated in
the ESB certification and we learned a lot. This year the Academy will be offered in a hybrid
fashion and can be taken throughout Appalachia virtually. We will be visiting local businesses
and have many guest speakers during the academy. This will be a four week course.

The Welding Academy is a six-week summer program designed to
equip students with foundational welding skills and industry experience. Held at A-Tech, the
academy will blend classroom instruction with hands-on training, enabling students to complete
the 30-hour welding certificate. Throughout the course, students will learn essential welding
techniques and safety practices, gaining the technical skills needed to begin a career in the
field. Instruction will focus on critical areas such as MIG, TIG, and arc welding, as well as metal
preparation and cutting. Additionally, students will practice troubleshooting and gain insight into
industry best practices.
To enhance real-world exposure, the Welding Academy will partner with local businesses like
Lincoln Electric, State Street Auto, and Molded Fiber Glass, offering field trips to these
companies. During these visits, students will observe professionals in action and see how the
skills they are learning apply in different welding environments. Upon completing the program,
students may be eligible for internships with these business partners, providing invaluable
hands-on experience and potential pathways to employment. This collaboration with local
industry leaders ensures that the Welding Academy not only develops students’ technical skills
but also fosters meaningful connections within the community.

St. Clairsville, OH
These are commuter programs and students should plan to travel to campus each day

The HVAC/R program teaches, trains and prepares students for most aspects of the HVAC/R
Industry. We have a wide partner base that supports our students with additional resources,
Internships, Capstone experiences and careers. Belmont College will offer the EPA Core and
part 2 and also recovery and evacuation credentials. This will serve as a great foundation so
they can explore the opportunities that Belmont College and its HVAC/R partners offer

Sparks are flying in the Welding Technology Program at Belmont College. We have an updated
Welding facility on campus which includes a Robotic Welding Arm and a programmable Plasma
Cutter. Students will get their Stick 1 (SMAW)credential, time with cutting with torches as well as
an introduction to the world of CAD Programming on the new machines.
Belmont College’s Welding Technology Program Partners and Belmont recruiters will be on
hand as students explore opportunities to continue with a variety of outcomes and options.

We get big things moving in Belmont College’s Heavy Equipment Technician Program. Students
will receive a Diesel Technology credential as well as coaching from some of our incredible
partners. Our programs partners include Reco Equipment and ODOT. The Heavy Equipment
Technician Program boasts a new building as well as an excavator.

Belmont College is flying high with their Drone Technology Program. Belmont College is offering
a preparatory class for the Part 107 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle license. The program includes a
retired Blackhawk Army helicopter pilot as well a a partnership with one of the largest
organizations that provides training for this expanding and demanding industry. Successful
students will receive their Part 107 Pilots License.

Nelsonville, OH
These are residential programs and students will stay in dormitories at Hocking College. TriCounty Career Center is a short walk from the dorms. Room & board, meals, and supportive
services are provided during the program.

The Introduction t Flooring Installation program offers comprehensive training in flooring
installation, covering materials like hardwood, carpet, tile, and laminate, and includes advanced
modules in floor preparation, layout, and cutting techniques.

The 4-week NATE Ready-to-Work HVAC program prepares students for a career in the high demand HVAC industry. Students who successfully complete this training and related testing
will earn the highly sought NATE Ready-to-Work certification. Job outlooks for this occupation
are expected to remain in demand over the next decade and beyond.

Portsmouth, OH
These are residential programs and students will stay in dormitories at Shawnee State
University. Room & board, meals, and supportive services are provided during the program.

The Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) program provides industry-recognized
certifications for front-line technicians in manufacturing and supply chain logistics. MSSC
certifications emphasize essential skills, are widely accepted, cost-effective, and support
apprenticeships and local customization. They help technicians acquire critical competencies
that enhance job performance and retention.

This in-depth course will train you to become a phlebotomist, a medical professional trained to draw blood through venipuncture for testing, research, donations, and more. Gainful
employment in the field of allied healthcare is within arm’s reach. Hospitals, blood banks, and other medical facilities are continuously in need of experienced phlebotomists who carry proper training and certification. Clinical experiences are included in this track.

Prepare for a career in business by understanding ways the most popular SM platforms interact
and engage with users, identifying techniques an organization can use to leverage social media presence to build meaningful relationships with key audiences, and evaluating the success or failure of SM presence based on basic measures of engagement. Participants will also earn six hours of college credit by completing the Microsoft Office Certificate.

Marietta, OH
These are commuter programs and students should plan to travel to campus each day

M-F June 9- June 27th, 2025
This course will prepare students to sit for the State Tested Nurse Aide (AKA Certified Nurse
Aide) credential test. This certification allows individuals to work in long-term facilities or in
home-health settings to provide patient care and support under the direction or supervision of a
registered nurse. Training will consist of classroom, hands-on lab activity, and practical clinical
experience at a local healthcare facility. This particular course will also include soft skills
training through the National Healthcare Association and CPR certification.

M-F June 9- June 27th, 2025
This course will introduce students to the welding and manufacturing industry. Students will
receive hands-on training in MIG welding (Gas Metal Arc) that will include equipment and gas
set-up and usage. Students will have the opportunity to use solid and flux core wire, and weld
using multiple positions. Students will work towards an AWS welding certification. Course will
also include an introduction to industrial safety and industrial maintenance