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*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:*
February 3, 2026




*MEDIA CONTACTS:
*Dan Tierney: 614-644-0957
Jill Del Greco: 614-644-0957






*Governor DeWine Celebrates New Department of Youth Services Career Technology Center *
Governor DeWine and others cut a ribbon for new technical career center [ [link removed] ]

(CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio)— Ohio Governor Mike DeWine joined Ohio Department of Youth Services (DYS) Director Amy Ast this morning to celebrate the opening of a new career technology center at Ralph C. Starkey High School on the campus of DYS's Circleville Juvenile Correctional Facility. 

The career technology center offers educational and vocational opportunities for justice-involved youth at the facility.

"All kids deserve the opportunity to live up to their full potential, including the justice-involved youth at DYS," said Governor DeWine. "The youth here have all gone through a lot in their young lives, but because of this new center, they know there are opportunities awaiting them. When they head home, they'll be leaving here with skills that are in demand and talents that employers are looking for." 

The new career technology center includes expanded career pathways in hospitality and tourism, construction technologies, media arts, and transportation systems. These pathways will give youth more opportunities to earn industry credentials and skill certifications to help them succeed once formally released from DYS.

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*VIDEO: DYS Career Technology Center Ribbon Cutting* [ [link removed] ]


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“The administration’s investment speaks to our alignment as an agency and school district with the ever-increasing value of career and technical programs and opportunities,” said Director Ast. “I cannot wait to see what the future holds as we continue to expand on our credentials and partnerships, but I do know the future is a bright one with this career center here at our Circleville facility.”

Some of the industry credentials offered at the new center include:


* Forklift certification
* Food management and safety
* Customer service and sales
* Adobe certified professional - Photoshop and InDesign
* Engine repair
* Construction
* Carpentry

The Ohio Facilities Construction Commission [ [link removed] ] (OFCC) administered the project with DYS, using state capital budget funding. OFCC manages the design and construction of public facilities across Ohio—including K-12 schools, higher education, state agencies, and community projects—providing one-time capital dollars and oversight to ensure quality, cost control, and compliance with state safety and accessibility standards.

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