Staff report
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Classes started a couple of weeks ago, but Tuesday was the public’s turn to take a look at the Crawford Success Center in Bucyrus. The renovated building on South Walnut Street across from the County Courthouse was open and available for public tours.
Former Bucyrus school board member and retire orthodontist Dr. Joseph Shadeed was a driving force behind the $2.5 million project.
Speaking at an earlier open house introducing the project. Shadeed said, “I just think education is the key to workforce and economic development and improving life in the County.”
Ninety-five students are enrolled for the fall semester. Crawford Success Center has offered students two statistics classes, two first-year experience classes, English composition, speech, intro to business management, and biology/nutrition. Professors from North Central State College are teaching the courses.
“The Crawford Success Center is a win-win for Crawford County. Higher education attainment is linked to better employment opportunities for graduates, improved productivity for local employers, and a better quality of life for current and future generations,” said Lisa Workman, president of the Community Foundation for Crawford County. “The opening of the Crawford Success Center speaks volumes about this community’s collaboration and commitment to positive change.”
A satellite of North Central State College, Erin Stine is the operations manager for the Crawford Success Center.
“Our hope is that you’ll come to the success center and get your start,” Stine said.
The project was a key element of the work and planning of Crawford: 20/20 Vision as well as Crawford County Education and Economic Development Partnership. Several area companies and organizations put their support, financial and otherwise behind the project including the Community Foundation for Crawford County and The Timken Foundation which made a commitment of $500,000.
“Education has a direct impact on economic development. Every percent moved in educational attainment— currently at 11.2 percent, well below the state average—will represent hundreds of thousands of dollars in economic impact,” said Gary Frankhouse, Executive Director, Crawford County Education and Economic Development Partnership, “Examples include higher wages, increased property values, per capita income, and more money to spend locally. Most importantly, education leads to an improved quality of life, which will lead to more individuals and families who will seek to live and work in Crawford County.”
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Bucyrus City Schools Superintendent Kevin Kimmel believes the Success Center, will provide a much needed opportunity for post-secondary education to county residents literally in their backyard.
“The Crawford Success Center provides a tremendous opportunity for the residents of our community and represents the realization of a shared vision that was established through Crawford: 20/20 Vision,” Kimmel said. “The center has opened recently under the leadership of Director Erin Stine who has been working extremely hard to provide an open and welcoming environment. The Bucyrus City School District is excited to share this local opportunity with our students as they transition to the next step in their educational career.”
Students interested in registering for the spring semester can stop by the Crawford Success Center to meet with advisors either in person or virtually. For more information visit www.ncstatecollege.edu or call 419-755-9039.