Students learning, earning credentials

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This year I have been given the opportunity with generous support from the Preble County Development Partnership to bring a new set of learning opportunities to some of our juniors and seniors. After receiving the appropriate training I have been able to teach and share a curriculum that allows the students to earn their Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt and Green Belt credentials. For those of you who are just hearing of these two credentials, you may ask: What is Lean Six Sigma?

Well, Lean Six Sigma (LSS) is a team-based, problem-solving methodology used by millions of businesses and organizations worldwide. Lean Six Sigma follows a structured approach called DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) in a path toward solutions and gains, commonly in the form of reduced waste or improved quality. In short, our students are learning about continuous improvement in the workplace and how to better serve their employer or how to better run their own business in the future. These are valuable problem-solving techniques and skills as well as résumé builders for the participating students.

More specifically the Yellow Belt training includes Problem Solving using the DMAIC methodology as well as the use of tools like a Project Charter, SIPOC, Metrics, Run Charts, Goal Setting, Fishbone Diagrams, Flow Charts, Team Dynamics, Brainstorming, Prioritization Matrix, Checking Results, Lessons Learned, and Standardization.

The next level, the Green Belt, builds upon the Yellow Belt and adds additional training with the Voice of the Customer, Affinity Diagrams, Leading Meetings, Types of Data, Understanding Variation, Data Collection, Hierarchy of Needs, Team Norms, Value Stream Analysis, Scatter Plot Diagrams, Mistake-Proofing, 5S, Management Presentations, Visual Controls, and Change Management. To earn this particular belt students must be a part of a successful Green Belt project that works to solve a school or business problem.

In addition to the aforementioned credentials, students have been involved in studies and activities to earn their Student Leadership Excellence credential (SLE). The SLE allows our students to study and put into practice The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership® outlined in The Leadership Challenge by James Kouzes and Barry Posner. The curriculum includes sections titled: Model the Way, Inspire a Shared Vision, Challenge the Process, Enable Others to Act, and Encourage the Heart.

As a first-time offering, I am excited to see these participating students learn and grow. I look forward to having more students involved in the school years to come and to have our local businesses prosper from the skills they will be able to offer as they become productive members of the workforce in Preble County and beyond.

Eaton students are pictured showing their final two of the three credentials earned. (Green Belt and Student Leadership Excellence). Left to right, front row: Dana Herrmann, Taylor Johnson, Amberlee Campbell; sSecond row: Preston James, Nick Hines, Luke Dougherty, Owen Barber; third row: Rhys Trader, Deacon Sizemore, and Chase Brooks. (Others also earning all three credentials but not available for the picture were: Alexius Clark, Joey Collins, Jarell Curtis, Hannah Hobbs, Lilly Kennedy, Daisy Othersen, and David Wood.)
https://www.registerherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/41/2022/02/web1_cc_LSS-Kids.jpgEaton students are pictured showing their final two of the three credentials earned. (Green Belt and Student Leadership Excellence). Left to right, front row: Dana Herrmann, Taylor Johnson, Amberlee Campbell; sSecond row: Preston James, Nick Hines, Luke Dougherty, Owen Barber; third row: Rhys Trader, Deacon Sizemore, and Chase Brooks. (Others also earning all three credentials but not available for the picture were: Alexius Clark, Joey Collins, Jarell Curtis, Hannah Hobbs, Lilly Kennedy, Daisy Othersen, and David Wood.)

By Harold Niehaus

PC Career Connections Director

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