Careers in Government Competition

STUDENT Experiences

1. Critical Calls and Community Protection

Departments Involved: 911 and Sheriff’s Office
Description: Students will gain insight into two essential areas of public safety: emergency communications and corrections.

At the 911 Facility, students will step into the training and communications rooms, where they’ll get an overview of the critical control room. They will learn the steps involved in handling emergency calls and explore the first line of action in helping people during crises. This eye-opening visit showcases the vital role of 911 operators and why their work is fast-paced, engaging, and crucial to public safety.

At the Sheriff's Department, students will go inside the jail walls and observe how various staff members—from medical to maintenance to records—work together to maintain safety and security. They will learn how correctional officers ensure the well-being of both inmates and the public while protecting one another in this challenging environment. Often overlooked, this visit provides a rare look behind the scenes and highlights career opportunities within the corrections system.

Capacity

- Total Number of Students Per Experience: 5

Starting Locations

- - Critical Calls and Community Protection – Group A (5 students): Begins at the 911 Facility (225 Burns Rd, Elyria, OH 44035)
  - Critical Calls and Community Protection – Group B (5 students): Begins at the Sheriff's Office (9896 Murray Ridge Road, Elyria OH 44035)
- Midway Switch: Groups will swap locations halfway through the session

2. Investigating Evidence and Preserving the Environment: Forensics and Sustainability

Departments Involved: Forensics Lab and Solid Waste Management Department

Description: In this dual-experience visit, students will explore the scientific world of forensic evidence analysis alongside the innovative practices of waste management that protect and sustain the environment. This unique combination highlights the importance of both public safety and environmental stewardship within county operations.

At the Forensics Office, students will step into the fascinating process of forensic science. They will follow the journey of physical evidence from the moment it is received in the lab through detailed analysis and reporting. By analyzing chemical substances and other materials, students will learn how forensic experts use scientific methods to determine the composition of unknown substances. This hands-on experience will provide an up-close look at how professionals test and document evidence, ensuring accuracy and maintaining the chain of custody, ultimately supporting law enforcement investigations.

At the Solid Waste Management Department, students will engage with interactive, hands-on displays that educate and entertain while teaching the importance of recycling correctly. They will learn why the Lorain County Solid Waste District was created and the innovative processes used to identify recyclable materials at waste facilities. With a tour of the nationally recognized waste management center and its new Learning Center, students will discover how sustainability and leadership go hand-in-hand in managing the county’s environmental resources.

Capacity and Route

- Total Number of Students Per Experience: 5

Starting Locations

- - Behind the Scenes of Justice – Group A (5 students): Begins at the Forensics Office (226 Middle Avenue, Elyria, OH 44035, LOWER LEVEL)
  - Behind the Scenes of Justice – Group B (5 students): Begins at the Solid Waste Management Department (538 South Abbe Road, Elyria, OH 44035)
- Midway Switch: Groups will swap locations halfway through the session

3. Infrastructure Projects and Public Works: Inside the Engineer’s Office and Garage

Departments Involved: Engineer’s Office (Sanitary Services and Garage)

Description: Students will gain insight into how civil engineers plan, manage, and execute critical infrastructure projects within the county. They will visit a wastewater treatment plant to learn how engineers manage sanitary services and see the operational side of civil engineering at the Engineer’s Garage, where they will explore equipment maintenance and roadwork processes.

Capacity and Route

- Total Number of Students Per Experience: 5

Starting Locations

- - Project Management and Public Works – Group A (5 students): Begins at the Sanitary Department (247 Hadaway Street, Elyria)
  - Project Management and Public Works – Group B (5 students): Begins at the Engineer’s Garage (42100 Russia Road, Elyria)
- Midway Switch: Groups will swap locations halfway through the session

4. Sustainability and Leadership: Managing Waste and Governance

Departments Involved: Solid Waste Management Department and Commissioners Office
Description: This experience offers students an in-depth look at two critical functions within the county: sustainable waste management and the leadership behind local government operations.

At the Commissioner’s Office, students will explore the role of county government in shaping and supporting the community. They will participate in a mock Commissioners Meeting, each taking on a various scripted role (i.e., Commissioners, Clerk, Administrator, Various Directors, Public). Through this exercise, students will gain insight into how the local government is structured and how multiple branches work together to manage county operations effectively. This visit will provide a firsthand look at what public service entails and how local government decisions directly affect residents and the community at large.

Capacity and Route

- Total Number of Students Per Experience: 15

Starting Locations

- - Sustainability and Leadership – Group A (15 students): Begins at the Solid Waste Management Department (538 South Abbe Road, Elyria, OH 44035)
  - Sustainability and Leadership – Group B (15 students): Begins at the Commissioner’s Office (226 Middle Avenue, Elyria, OH 44035, 4th floor)
- Midway Switch: Groups will swap locations halfway through the session

5. The Wheels of Justice: Behind the Scenes at the Court of Common Pleas

Departments Involved: Court of Common Pleas
Description: In this in-depth, three-hour visit to the Court of Common Pleas, students will gain a firsthand understanding of the inner workings of the court system and the people who ensure justice is served.

Meet with a Judge and Bailiff: Students will step into the courtroom to learn about courtroom procedures directly from a judge. They will also meet a bailiff to gain insights into the role they play in maintaining order during trials.
Overview of Court Processes: Students will receive an overview of how cases move through the court system, from arraignments to trials, and how different departments work together to ensure fair outcomes.
Explore Job Opportunities in the Court System: During their time with the Court Administrator, students will learn about the various career paths available within the court system, including court personnel, probation staff and administrative staff.
Day in the Life of a Probation Officer: Students will spend time with an adult probation officer to learn what a typical day looks like in their role. They will explore the challenges and responsibilities probation officers face in supervising individuals on probation and helping them reintegrate into society.

This experience offers students an immersive look at the court system, providing valuable insights into careers in law and public service, while showcasing the critical role the courts play in upholding justice.

Capacity

- Total Number of Students Per Experience: 5
- Single Visit: Students will stay together throughout the entire visit and not switch locations. (Justice Center, 1st Floor 225 Court Street Elyria, Ohio 44035)

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