School leaders are assembling a free Job & Employer Directory, in partnership with OhioMeansJobs Lorain County, designed as an online catalog of local companies, available positions and application information.
The goal is to give job seekers, especially students, easy access to employment opportunities throughout the spring and summer months.
Employers are invited to participate by submitting information through an online form before the April 16 deadline.
The directory is expected to launch in early May and will be updated as new submissions come in.
The idea builds on previous efforts at the school to host in-person job fairs, now entering its third year.
While this year’s approach shifts to a digital format, administrators say the mission remains the same: connecting students with meaningful opportunities.
“This came from an idea from one of our teachers and really grew through collaboration,” said Lorain High School Building Administrator Bryan Hilko. “I just appreciate the fact that our staff has worked as a team to make sure that our students have access to this information. That is part of our vision, to continue to provide more access to opportunities for our kids.”
The directory expands access beyond students to include families and the broader community, which reinforces the district’s focus on long-term career readiness.
Lorain High Principal Melissa Cheers said the initiative reflects a larger goal of preparing students for life after graduation, no matter what path they choose.
“We want to make sure they meet their graduation requirements and are prepared to go to that next step post-graduation,” Cheers said. “This fits into our vision for career readiness. We’re not just talking about it; we’re actually supporting them through it.”
In past years, Lorain High partnered with organizations such as Goodwill Industries and even Cedar Point, which gave students opportunities to interview and work seasonally.
Officials say those partnerships highlight the wide range of opportunities available, from entry-level positions to long-term career pathways.
“There’s definitely a need,” Cheers added. “The goal is long-term career opportunities, not just jobs, but careers, and tying that into what students are already learning has been a huge asset.”
In addition to connecting students with employers, the school has focused on preparing them for the workforce through resume workshops and interview training.
Lorain City Schools Associate Director of Communications Lisa Roberson said the directory aligns with the district’s broader strategic plan to support students after graduation.
“Our goal is to make sure that our students are prepared for whatever path they choose,” Roberson said. “Whether that’s college, the military, apprenticeships or entering the workforce, we want to support all of those pathways and make sure students are ready for whatever challenges come their way.”
While plans for a potential in-person job fair later this year is under consideration, schools officials say the immediate priority is building a strong, accessible resource for the community.
They are encouraging local employers to participate and help expand opportunities for students and families.
“We can’t do this alone,” Hilko said. “We want the community to continue to partner with us and support our students. This is about making those connections and keeping that access open.”
© 2026 The Morning Journal, Lorain, Ohio. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
