At the start of the 2024-2025 school year, the district opened its new South-Western Career Academy (SWCA) Event Center to students, marking another historic milestone for career-technical education.
On Friday, February 6, 2025 at a special open house event, the district invited leaders, educators, and community members to celebrate the SWCA’s growth and impact.
Superintendent Randy Banks highlighted the district’s unique model, which serves only local students, and credited the Ohio Career Technical Education Equipment Grant for expanding facilities and programs.
“This year, 50 additional juniors joined pre-nursing and HVAC,” Banks said. “By 2030, 300 more students will benefit from these programs.”
While the equipment grant helped provide the tools and resources, board president Chris Boso praised the educators behind the programming as the most viable resource for connecting students and new career pathways. “They bring our programs to life, supporting students through work-based learning and preparing them for the workforce,” he said.
In 2024, SWCA students achieved:
- 1,308 college credits earned
- 1,702 industry-recognized credentials awarded
- 10 students entering the U.S. Armed Forces
- A five-star career-technical education report card rating
SWCA is a state-of-the-art career-technical school serving eligible juniors and seniors from the South-Western City School District. Students take all academic and career-technical program requirements at SWCA, spending the entire day at the academy rather than splitting time with their home high schools.
“SWCA might be the only place in town where you can get a haircut, grab a bite to eat, and get your car detailed all in one place,” Boso joked, emphasizing the academy’s real-world impact.
The open house showcased SWCA’s commitment to preparing students for career success. With strong leadership, continued investment, and dedicated staff, the academy remains a driving force in shaping the future workforce.
SW Insider 