BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—Bucyrus City Schools welcomed members of the True North Project Advisory Committee and other local business leaders for a tour of the district’s new Advanced Manufacturing Lab and industrial-grade Fabrication Lab. The spaces were funded through a $696,675 Career Technical Equipment grant from the State of Ohio. The event highlighted the district’s growing commitment to career-connected learning and the important role that industry partners play in shaping program design and student readiness.
During the tour, attendees observed seven hands-on demonstration stations led by student instructors who showcased skills in robotics, drones, CAD design, coding, and additional advanced manufacturing technologies. These labs mark an important step forward in the district’s True North vision, which is a PreK-12 program designed to help all students graduate with confidence, purpose, and career-aligned skills.
Superintendent Bob Britton emphasized the impact of the state’s investment and the district’s strong partnerships with regional employers. “This equipment grant has been transformative for our students,” Britton said. “It allows us to put state-of-the-art tools directly into the hands of learners while strengthening the workforce pipeline in our community. Our Business Advisory Council was essential to launching this work. Our district was able to leverage their partnerships to form the Project Advisory Committee to ensure that our programs and credentials reflect real labor market needs and prepare students for high-demand, high-wage careers.”
Project Advisory Committee member and local industry leader Adam Weiser, General Manager of Advanced Fiber Technology, noted the importance of the district’s collaborative approach. “The power of a Project Advisory Committee is the expertise and industry knowledge it provides,” Weiser said. “We are able to bring the right relationships to the district, identify which programs and certifications hold labor market value, and offer insight on local and regional workforce needs. Bucyrus is creating opportunities that give students relevantskills and give employers a stronger talent pipeline.”
Students who participated in the demonstrations shared how the new labs are shaping their plans for the future. Bryce Phillips, a Bucyrus High School student, said, “Having access to equipment like this has helped me understand what I want to do after graduation. Using real tools and software makes me feel prepared for a career, not just for a class.” The collaboration between Bucyrus City Schools, the Project Advisory Committee, and local employers continues to guide the development of the True North program. With industry insight, the district is selecting certifications, designing coursework, and creating training experiences that reflect regional workforce priorities.
Amy Wood, the Special Projects Director who facilitates both the Business Advisory Council and the Project Advisory Committee for Bucyrus City Schools added that this partnership-driven approach is key to long-term success.“Our partners help us stay informed about local workforce needs,” she said. “Their guidance ensures that every program we build is useful and relevant. This is how we prepare students for a successful future.”