University Outreach Services

Shawnee State University’s Outreach Services provides linkage between the University’s services/resources and external agencies (individuals, nonprofit, government, and private). This function supports the University’s mission of increasing opportunities for students, the campus community, and area residents by preparing the Southern Ohio region for the changing needs of business, industry, education, and society.

Internships and Co-ops 

Outreach Services will be working with each Academic Department and external entities to maximize student internship experiences.  One of the goals is to help our students gain the necessary experience to advance in their field once they graduate.  SSU already has numerous career opportunities for students whether it be student teaching or experience in medical settings.    University Outreach Services working with Academic Departments hopes to increase those opportunities while having internships reflected both on the resume and transcripts of graduates as they advance in their careers.

Outreach services will provide resources to businesses, large or small, to implement internship programs.   It is important for both the business and student to know the expectations and goals of each internship. Nationally, there is an emphasis on matching the graduates of higher education with career opportunities. By expanding and strengthening internship opportunities,  we are adding value to  both our students and business partners.

Community Education Program  The Community Education Program encompasses a broad range of noncredit personal development courses, programs, and activities, which are offered to the general public. Each fall and spring, a schedule of events is developed and distributed to the community. Courses that are included in the schedule are often suggested and taught by members of the community. Topics include ACT Prep, seasonal arts and crafts, photography, health and fitness, personal finance, creative writing, and a wide variety of interests. If you would like to teach a course or be placed on the mailing list, please call 740.351.3274.

District Science Day  Shawnee District 14 Science Day is one of 16 district science competitions sponsored by the Ohio Academy of Science (OAS) and hosted by colleges and universities across the state of Ohio. It annually attracts more than 200 students, grades 5-12, from Adams, Lawrence, Pike, and Scioto counties. It is an avenue for students to develop independent or team scientific research projects which may lead to an opportunity to compete at State Science Day in Columbus, Ohio.

Ohio Academic Competitions  The Ohio Academic Competition (OAC) provides Ohio high school students the opportunity to exercise their reasoning, critical thinking, and recall skills in a healthy, competitive environment. Top students from all parts of Ohio are introduced to Shawnee State through the OAC. As the statewide point of coordination, Outreach Services registers over 90 teams for participation in regional competitions at four sites in Ohio. Shawnee State hosts the southeast regional statewide competition.

Online Learning  University Outreach Services offers over 200 noncredit continuing education courses online. Online courses provide flexibility in scheduling and location. All you need is access to the Internet. Courses are designed for the student’s personal enrichment and professional development. All courses are accessed through www.ed2go.com/shawnee. 

College Tech Prep is a partnership among business, industry, labor, and secondary and higher education. It is a primary strategy for systemic change in Ohio that prepares students for technology based careers demanded by the increasingly competitive global economic community.

Tech Prep is a National Education Reform Initiative, which was launched in 1991. The program is aimed at meeting the needs of business and industry for qualified, skilled workers in high demand, technical fields.

Tech Prep is a combined secondary and postsecondary program, which provides students with the following:

• A preparation for employment, careers, and education beyond high school.
• A hands-on, real world approach to teaching and learning that includes teamwork, worksite experiences, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
• An integration of technical and academic curricula.
• A competency-based curriculum that enables students to certify their achievements.
• A planned sequence of courses from high school through an associate or baccalaureate degree.

Currently, programs in engineering, business, criminal justice, teaching professions, information technology, and health are available in the College Tech Prep program. The Ohio South Consortium partners Shawnee State University, Ohio University Southern Campus, and local school districts with a wide array of regional business and industry partners. College Tech Prep continues to grow and help students learn to prepare for the new career market.

Multiple grants, totaling more than $1.6 million over a five-year period, have been awarded to Shawnee State University and the 21^st CCLC partner school districts to provide out-of-school activities for rural students at partner school districts throughout Scioto County.

Each center, or “After School Program,” offers a variety of opportunities, including tutoring and instruction for students at risk of failing the Ohio achievement tests or experiencing difficulties in the classroom. Expanded library hours and services, access to computer labs and Internet and computer training are featured at each center. Thematic and family reading programs, expanded drug and violence prevention education and counseling, and after school field trips to enrichment work sites and college campuses are provided. An emphasis is placed on social development through organized recreational activities, and nutritious snacks. In an effort to remove transportation barriers for rural participants, the grant provides ample funds for transportation home from each center.

For more information about University Outreach Services contact: