New Philadelphia, Ohio – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine joined local leaders, educators, and students in New Philadelphia to celebrate the grand opening of a major expansion project at the Buckeye Career Center (BCC). The nearly $6 million project, supported by the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) Career Technical Construction Program, provides modernized space and advanced classrooms designed to train students for in-demand careers in healthcare.
“This investment is about creating opportunities for students to graduate with skills that lead directly to meaningful careers,” said Governor DeWine. “By expanding programs like these, we’re helping ensure that Ohio’s workforce is ready for the jobs of today and tomorrow.”
The project delivers 13,000 square feet of new instructional space, including specialized labs for nursing, pharmacy, and medical assistant hands-on training. The expansion arrives at a moment when BCC is experiencing its highest enrollment in a decade, reflecting the growing demand for career-technical education.
Expanding Opportunities for Students and the Community
Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel praised the facility, saying, “Career technical education changes lives, and today’s opening is a win for the community and Ohio. This is a place where students can discover their calling with real-world equipment and leave here prepared to contribute from day one.”
BCC currently offers more than 30 career-technical programs for high school students, ranging from healthcare and welding to culinary arts, information technology, and automotive services. Its facilities include a medical simulation lab, welding booths, a culinary kitchen with a restaurant, computer labs, and an automotive service center outfitted with lifts and diagnostic systems.
The expansion not only strengthens healthcare training but also provides students across multiple disciplines with greater opportunities to build skills that align with the needs of Ohio’s economy.
Community Investment in Education
Superintendent Bob Alsept emphasized the shared vision behind the project. “This expansion is not my vision—it is our vision. It belongs to our students, our staff, and our partners who believe in giving young people every chance to succeed. Walking through these spaces, you can see what’s possible when people come together to invest in our future.”
The funding package included $2.8 million in state funds and $3.1 million in local contributions, totaling nearly $6 million. The partnership between state and local stakeholders demonstrates a unified commitment to ensuring that Ohio’s youth have access to cutting-edge training facilities that prepare them for high-demand careers.
For the Buckeye Career Center, this expansion represents more than new walls and labs—it is a tangible step toward shaping the future of Ohio’s workforce, providing young people with the tools, confidence, and experience they need to succeed.
