University Outreach Services

Recognizing the ever-changing face of education, educators, and students, University Outreach Services serves as the gateway to the community, reaching out to learners in an ever-expanding service area. It provides the stable foundation upon which experimental educational ideas are offered, partnerships are formed, and quality programming and services are delivered.

Developed through a reorganization and redirection of university academic and community outreach services, the office is designed to provide a wide array of specialized educational opportunities. These include the educational and cultural enrichment opportunities critical to young students in the surrounding communities, technical training customized to meet the needs of workers in nearby businesses striving to compete in the high-tech work place, and the showcasing of the educational talent and expertise of Shawnee State’s faculty and staff through distance education, integration of academic services, and research and development of cutting-edge programming.

The purpose of University Outreach Services is to provide leadership in program innovation, research, and development; sustain partnerships with regional educational, business and industry, and community organizations; and offer diversified quality programming and services.

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.

Computer Enrichment Training  Community members interested in honing their computer skills in a noncredit setting may enroll in a variety of proficiency classes. New classes begin quarterly, offering training on many popular software packages. Training sessions designed specifically for a group or organization are also scheduled as needed. Outreach Services provides a mobile computer lab of state-of-the-art equipment, enabling Shawnee State to offer on-site computer education and skills training to area businesses and organizations.

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.

Grants Management  University Outreach Services provides resources and technical assistance to university-wide grant-seeking efforts. As the campus liaison for the Grants Resource Center, Outreach Services provides access to federal funding sources.

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. 

Ohio Tech Prep has changed Ohio’s career tech educational system by aligning teaching and learning in secondary schools and higher education.  Since its launch in 1991, federal and state funds sustained operations of 23 Tech Prep consortia to develop career pathways and prepare students for transition from high school to college and career.

Responding to budget limitations and increased demand for services required by federal legislation, the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) and the Ohio Board of Regents (OBR) restructured Tech Prep in September 2011.  Tech Prep was restructured through grants to six regions.  The southwest region’s organizational structure reflects consortia partnerships in Greater Cincinnati, Miami Valley and Ohio South.  The chief administrator and three sub-region coordinators offer services defined by its grant.

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.

The Ohio South Regional Center currently partners with three post-secondary institutions:  Shawnee State University, Ohio University Southern, and Southern State Community College; and five career technical schools:  Collins Career Center, Ohio Valley CTC, Pike County CTC, Scioto County CTC, and Southern Hills CTC.

Multiple grants, totalling more than $2 million over a five-year period, have been awarded to Shawnee State University and the Ohio South Tech Prep Consortium 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 proficiency test 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, food service, and supervised relaxation areas for students to rest and listen to music with friends. 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: