Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) and The Ohio State University at Newark are stepping up to outfit their students for success. In a partnership with Licking/Knox Goodwill Industries, a new program offers vouchers for job-seeking students to acquire professional attire necessary for interviews and career-building opportunities. Tim Young, CEO of Licking/Knox Goodwill and vice chair of COTC's alumni council, emphasizes the value of the initiative. "The right outfit doesn’t just change how you look — it also changes how you feel," Young told COTC in a statement.
Every month, eight vouchers are available for distribution through the campus's Office of Student Life. The aid aims to ease the financial burden on students entering the professional world. "It’s an investment that will have a lasting positive impact on both their futures and the strength of our community," Tim Goetz, the career development manager for both institutions, said, as obtained by COTC. The vouchers can be redeemed either online or in any of the ten Goodwill retail stores that serve the two counties.
Goodwill has been an integral part of the Newark community, historically contributing to various assistance programs. Their latest collaboration with COTC and Ohio State Newark underscores their dedication to empowering individuals and growing local talent. With a focus on preparing career-ready graduates, both educational institutions see this program as a vital component of their outreach and community engagement.
"Everyone deserves the support they need to help find the job they want. It takes a village, and we are fortunate enough to have a whole campus of talented individuals to help make career dreams come true," Young said, in a statement obtained by COTC, reiterating the importance of community support in fostering student success. For additional details on the program, interested parties can reach out via email at [email protected].
As a public college, COTC is committed to offering accessible and high-quality technical education responsive to current and emerging job markets. It maintains four campus locations: Newark, Coshocton, Knox, and Pataskala, ensuring that it remains a cornerstone for local workforce development.
