School News

The Welding students at NCI - Willoughby have been working hard to create a new sign for the City of Willowick.

By collaborating on the Willowick city sign, NCI-W students are not only refining their welding and fabrication skills but also gaining valuable insight into teamwork, project planning, and community involvement. Under the guidance of Mr. Kirchevel, Mr. Molder, and Mr. Stevens, these students are learning how their craftsmanship can make a lasting impact—both professionally and locally. 

Opportunities like this bridge the gap between classroom instruction and real-world application, preparing our students to become skilled, confident, and community-minded tradespeople. 

 

We are thrilled to announce the launch of a pioneering College Credit Plus (CCP) program within our Career Tech curriculum. This initiative is specifically designed for our nursing students, offering them a head start on their college journey.

Through a partnership with Lakeland Community College, our students will now be able to take prerequisite courses that count toward their future RN program at a four-year college. This means our aspiring nurses can earn college credits while still in high school, reducing their future course load and easing their path into a registered nursing program.

This pilot program is a testament to our commitment to providing students with practical, career-focused opportunities. By blending high school coursework with college-level classes, we’re not only helping our students save time and money but also preparing them for the demands of the healthcare industry.

We look forward to seeing our first cohort of students take advantage of this fantastic opportunity this January, and can’t wait to share their success stories!

 

In response to growing student interest and limited availability in career-technical education (CTE) programs, Willoughby-Eastlake is shifting from a career compact to a career comprehensive model. This transition will allow the district to expand in-house career pathways, ensuring more students have access to high-quality career-focused learning without being restricted by limited program availability.

We are committed to:

• Preparing students not just for graduation, but for a lifetime of meaningful work and personal fulfillment
• Expanding access to in-demand career pathways across grades 7–12
• Designing experiences aligned with Ohio’s top job sectors
• Developing strong partnerships with postsecondary institutions and local industry
• Cultivating essential Portrait of a Graduate skills - collaboration, communication, critical thinking, resilience, empathy and creativity

Our Excel TECC students continue to shine on the national stage! Congratulations to our GOLD MEDAL winners in the SkillsUSA National Championships – Career Pathways Showcase: Business & Technology!

Jacob McMasters and Callista Guldager (Willoughby South) and Claire Campolieti (Eastlake North) represented our Information Technology & Programming program with excellence, perseverance, and professionalism.

These students never shied away from a challenge, worked as a team, and exhibited great passion and spirit.

They are great examples of students who bring their best every day, and the teachers who provided them guidance.

Business partnerships play a vital role in shaping the success of Career Technical Education (CTE) programs in Willoughby-Eastlake. These collaborations connect classroom learning with real-world experience, giving students valuable insight into their chosen career paths. Local businesses regularly visit classrooms to share industry knowledge, host students for on-site tours, and provide hands-on learning opportunities that bring curriculum to life.

Beyond the classroom, business partners offer internships and mentorship that help students build confidence, sharpen skills, and prepare for life after graduation. These experiences allow students to explore careers, grow their professional networks, and gain a deeper understanding of workplace expectations. The support of local businesses is essential in ensuring students are future-ready and equipped to thrive in today’s competitive job market