MANSFIELD, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—The Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center (ESC) has announced the expansion of its High School Mentorship Program for the 2026 cohort, adding a new career pathway in school psychology.
Following the successful 2025 launch of its Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) track, the program now offers students a chance to explore two distinct professional fields. The 2026 program will officially begin with a kickoff event on Jan. 12 at the Mid-Ohio ESC.
The mentorship initiative was developed by a specialized team, including SLP/SP Mentorship Coordinator Kevin Fourman, Central Ohio School Psychology Consultant Kylie Dennison-Rebon, Mid-Ohio ESC School Psychology Lead Julia Pilla, and Central Ohio SLP Consultant Johanna Gilland.
Under the program, selected high school mentees will shadow experienced professionals to gain insight into the daily responsibilities of school psychologists and speech-language pathologists. The curriculum covers critical areas such as mental health support, intervention strategies, and clinical practice.
“This expansion provides a unique opportunity for students to investigate behavioral interventions and student assessments while they are still in high school,” the program team stated.
In addition to job shadowing, students will be connected with local higher education institutions. These partnerships are designed to help students navigate the academic transition from high school to graduate-level studies, including guided tours of collegiate programs.
High school students interested in the 2026 cohort must apply by Jan. 5, 2026. Interested applicants can reach out to Kevin Fourman at fourman.kevin@moesc.net for more information.