Empowering Adult Learners: Frank Polen on Career and Technical Education

In this episode of the Ohio Technical Center's podcast, Rachael Mann interviews Frank Polen, the award-winning assistant superintendent and director of curriculum at Buckeye Career Center in New Philadelphia, Ohio. Frank discusses the wide range of adult education programs offered at Buckeye Career Center, including full-time and part-time courses in fields like welding, healthcare, and firefighting. He highlights the unique opportunities provided by the Adult Diploma Program, which allows adults to earn high school diplomas and acquire valuable skills. Frank also emphasizes the importance of community and employer partnerships, institutional advisory councils, and workforce summits in shaping the programs to meet local workforce needs. Additionally, he underscores the center's approach to short-term, customized training to address immediate workforce demands. Throughout the conversation, Frank shares inspiring success stories of how these programs have transformed lives and positively impacted the community. Listeners are encouraged to visit Buckeye Career Center's website,https://www.buckeyecareercenter.org/. To learn more about Ohio Technical Centers in your area, visit  www.oacts.com or https://ohiotechnicalcenters.com/ for more information.