Owens welcomes students for Jill of All Trades

Owens Community College hosted around 150 students from nine local schools to the third annual Jill of All Trades event on Oct. 23, to learn about careers in the skilled trades. "We're excited to provide this opportunity for young people to explore the skilled trades. By partnering with Jill of All Trades, we're proud to ignite curiosity, build confidence and educate young people about potential careers and all of the things they could do in their future," said Dr. Dione D. Somerville, Owens president. Students from Central Catholic High School, Clay High School, Horizon Science Academy, Northview High School, Penta Career Center, Scott High School, Southview High School, Toledo Technology Academy and Whitmer High School participated in the 2025 event. Attendees were split into 12 groups, with each participating in three different workshops. Held at the Dana Center, Welding Design Center and Transportation Technology buildings on the Toledo-area campus, workshop topics included robotics, welding, CNC/machining, auto service and repair, crane rigging and diesel technology. "It's been incredible to see our Jill of All Trades event grow and thrive over the past three years, and it wouldn't be possible without the amazing partnerships we've built with our local schools. We're truly honored by the trust they place in us and excited to help inspire and guide their students toward bright, bold futures in the skilled trades," said Erin Kramer, Owens director of admissions. Students began and ended their day at the Center for Fine and Performing Arts, where program sponsors were set up with information about working in the trades. For the first time, the Owens Community College Foundation sponsored a $1,000 scholarship for a student. The winner was Alayshia Mallett from Scott High School. "The Owens Foundation is proud to support the dreams of our students, and this scholarship is a powerful example of that commitment. We're honored to play a part in helping young people pursue their goals and build meaningful, successful careers in the skilled trades through an education at Owens," said Kelle Pack, Owens vice president of Institutional Advancement and executive director of the Owens Foundation. More from the event can be seen online at owens.edu/jillofalltrades.