BridgED and ODBES Announce Third Consecutive Partnership Year

Columbus, OH – July 1, 2025 – BridgED (www.BridgEDk12.com) is proud to announce the extension of its successful partnership with Ohio Deaf and Blind Education Services (ODBES) for the 2025-2026 school year. This marks the third consecutive year of collaboration between the two organizations, a partnership that began in April 2023.

This renewed partnership will continue to be instrumental in creating career access, awareness, and understanding for students and teachers within Ohio's Deaf and Blind schools. Historically, the populations served by ODBES have faced significant barriers to employment. The innovative programming developed through this continued partnership will provide invaluable experiences designed to directly lead to employment opportunities. A key focus of these programs will be showcasing the exceptional abilities of ODBES students to the wider business community.

"We are incredibly excited to continue our partnership with ODBES," said Christy Bertolo, Co-Founder of BridgED. "Our shared commitment to empowering these remarkable students and connecting them with meaningful career paths is at the heart of everything we do. We've seen tremendous progress over the past two years, and we're eager to build on that success, creating even more opportunities for these talented individuals to thrive in the workforce."

Dr. Lou Maynus, Superintendent of ODBES, added, "The impact of our partnership with BridgED has been transformative for our students and staff. Their dedication to fostering career readiness and opening doors to the business community has been invaluable. This extended agreement will allow us to deepen our efforts, ensuring our students are not only prepared for employment but also recognized for their incredible skills and contributions."

Furthermore, BridgED will continue its vital support for the ODBES Business Advisory Council (BAC), which was successfully launched in the Fall of 2024. The BAC plays a crucial role in connecting ODBES with industry leaders and ensuring that programming remains aligned with current workforce needs.

This continued partnership underscores BridgED's commitment to bridging educational gaps and fostering a more inclusive and equitable employment landscape for all.

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