Grand Lake Regional ESC Expands Reach, Plans New Career and Financial Literacy Programs

The Grand Lake Regional Educational Service Center is beginning the new school year with a new name, an expanded regional footprint and several initiatives designed to connect students with career and workforce opportunities.

Grand Lake Regional ESC Superintendent Shelly Vaughn and Sandi Holdheide recently joined WCSM’s Spectrum to discuss the organization’s transition from the Mercer County ESC name and the work being done through its Business Advisory Council.

Vaughn said the name change officially took effect July 1 and better reflects the organization’s growing reach. The ESC now provides services in six counties, with most of its work concentrated in Mercer and Auglaize counties.

Despite the new name, Vaughn said the organization’s mission and staff remain the same.

“We’re in the same location. It’s the same great people focused on the high quality of service and support that we provide,” Vaughn said.

She said the ESC continues to operate with a “kids first” philosophy, encouraging districts to share resources, ideas and programs across community lines.

The Grand Lake Regional ESC Business Advisory Council will remain focused on Mercer County. Holdheide said the council brings together educators, businesses and community partners to help students better understand career opportunities available locally.

The council recently received a four-star state recognition, its highest designation to date. Vaughn credited Holdheide’s leadership and the partnerships developed with Mercer County Economic Development, Tri Star Career Compact, Wright State University-Lake Campus and local employers.

The council is now developing its 2026-27 plan, which will focus on building partnerships, developing professional skills for future careers and coordinating student experiences.

One of the biggest new programs will take place September 15 and 16 at the Mercer County Fairgrounds.

Approximately 500 eighth-grade students from Mercer County schools are expected to participate in Real Money. Real World, a financial literacy simulation designed to introduce students to budgeting, expenses and real-life financial decisions.

Students will then move into the new Grand Event Center for the DREAM BIG Career Showcase.

Holdheide said the showcase will be different from a traditional career fair. Instead of businesses sitting behind tables, organizations will bring large equipment, vehicles and other tools used in their professions.

Among the organizations expected to participate are St. Henry Tile, Mercer Health, emergency medical services and the Celina Rescue Dive Team.

The goal, Holdheide said, is to allow students to see equipment firsthand and speak directly with people who perform those jobs.

“If you can see it, you can be it,” she said.

The ESC is also continuing its emphasis on work-based learning opportunities for high school students.

Vaughn said educators are looking at ways to rethink the traditional senior year for students who may benefit from spending part of their school day gaining real-world job experience.

Those opportunities can include pre-apprenticeships, career-technical programs and other arrangements that allow students to earn credit while gaining workplace training.

Holdheide said the Business Advisory Council recently held a meeting focused on skilled trades and heard from local employers about the amount of training required before employees can work independently.

She compared work-based learning to College Credit Plus, saying both programs give students an opportunity to get a head start while still in high school.

The ESC is also seeking volunteers and participating businesses for the September Real Money. Real World and DREAM BIG events.

The full Spectrum interview with Shelly Vaughn and Sandi Holdheide can be heard at wcsmradio.com.