MAGNET is proud to announce the graduation of the sixth cohort from its innovative Early College Early Career (ECEC) pre-apprenticeship program which provides opportunities for students to work in manufacturing while in high school. Wednesday, May 1, 2024, marked the milestone event and celebrated the achievements of 42 seniors who finished the two-year curriculum (including internships, professional development, and training in manufacturing with a holistic support system, including mentorship, transportation, and technical training). The ECEC program not only prepares students for immediate employment in manufacturing but also contributes towards their high school graduation requirements. Graduates earn points and seals that demonstrate their readiness for post-secondary work -- the Ohio Means Jobs Readiness Seal and the Industry Recognized Credential Seal – both part of the State of Ohio graduation requirements.

This year’s graduates include inspiring students such as Siy Stoutemire. After transferring from South Euclid to Cleveland and leaving a robust robotics program behind, Siy found new opportunities in the CTE Engineering program at East Tech, directly feeding into the ECEC program. Siy plans to continue his career in manufacturing while pursuing an Engineering degree at Cleveland State University, reflecting the true spirit and success of the ECEC initiative.

Rahim Nichols, Director of ECEC, shares, "The remarkable success of our graduates is a testament to their hard work and the powerful support network we've built around them. This program isn't just about job preparation; it's about paving a pathway for sustained success in life and careers."

The success of the ECEC program is reflected in its impressive outcomes:

• 86% of 2019-23 program graduates are either employed in manufacturing, furthering their education, or both.
• 83% of all graduates, and 90% from the 2023 cohort, received job offers upon completion of the program.
• 81% of 2023 graduates have transitioned into full-time careers in manufacturing or are pursuing higher education while working.

Thank you to the ECEC team of Rahim Nichols, Monica Lawson, Marvin Rashad, Sh’Nae Johnson, and Isaiah McQueen for exposing these young minds to the world of manufacturing and mentoring them through the trials and tribulations of real life. 

Congratulations to the 2024 ECEC graduates. Your hard work over the past 18 months is inspiring!