Future Changes Coming to Downtown McClure, Ohio
NWOCO Announces the Summer Youth Program Kick OFF!
NWOCO / NWTI
Skilled Trades Training Lab
Just Got Bigger!
NWOCO Awarded $25,000 First Solar Community Giving Fund Grant to Expand Clean Energy and STEM Education Programs
McClure, Ohio – Northwest Ohio Community Outreach (NWOCO) is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a $25,000 grant through the First Solar Community Giving Fund to support the development and expansion of clean-energy, STEM, and skilled-trades educational programming throughout Northwest Ohio.
The grant will help NWOCO create new hands-on learning opportunities that introduce youth, young adults, veterans, and community members to renewable energy technologies, solar power systems, energy efficiency, sustainability principles, and career pathways within the skilled trades.
Funding will support the purchase of instructional equipment, training tools, technology resources, curriculum materials, safety equipment, and instructor support necessary to provide practical, real-world educational experiences. Participants will have opportunities to engage in hands-on demonstrations and project-based learning related to solar technology, electrical systems, energy production, and sustainable building practices.
"This investment represents much more than equipment and materials," said Nicholas Getzinger, Executive Director of NWOCO. "It provides an opportunity to inspire the next generation of skilled trades professionals, energy technicians, and community leaders while helping participants better understand the technologies shaping our future. We are grateful to First Solar for recognizing the importance of workforce development, technical education, and community engagement in rural Northwest Ohio."
The project will be further strengthened through significant in-kind contributions provided by NWOCO, MasterCraft Professional Trades Association, and GHC LLC, including instructional space, volunteer mentors, tools, equipment, and technical expertise. Additional support is being provided through previously awarded youth program grants, creating a combined project value of approximately $35,000.
The new programming aligns with NWOCO's broader mission of helping individuals discover purpose, develop practical skills, and build pathways toward meaningful employment and community service. Through mentorship, technical training, and hands-on experiences, NWOCO continues to provide opportunities that strengthen both individuals and the communities they serve.
NWOCO extends its sincere appreciation to First Solar and the First Solar Community Giving Fund for their commitment to education, workforce development, and community investment.
About Northwest Ohio Community Outreach (NWOCO)
Northwest Ohio Community Outreach is a nonprofit organization dedicated to mentorship, workforce development, community engagement, youth programming, veteran support services, and purpose-driven opportunities that strengthen individuals, families, and communities throughout Northwest Ohio. Through programs such as Pathways to Purpose, Trades of Grace, veteran outreach initiatives, and technical skills training, NWOCO works to connect people with resources, mentorship, and opportunities for long-term success.
For additional information:
Northwest Ohio Community Outreach (NWOCO)
St. Joseph Commons
P.O. Box 89
253 S. East Street
McClure, Ohio 43534
Phone: 419-575-2693
Email: NWOhioco@gmail.com
Website: NWOCO.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NWOCO Summer Youth Program Receives Community Grant Support to Expand Opportunities for Northwest Ohio Youth
McClure, Ohio – Northwest Ohio Community Outreach (NWOCO) is proud to announce that its 2026 Pathways to Purpose Summer Youth Program has received grant support from several community partners committed to investing in the future of Northwest Ohio youth.
Funding has been provided through the Greater Toledo Community Foundation, the Bill Rowles Youth Foundation Fund, the Katherine R. Smith Funds for Youth, the Toledo Mud Hens Foundation Transportation Grant Program, and the Helping Hens Community Assistance Program.
These grants will help provide meaningful educational, leadership, service, and workforce-development opportunities for youth throughout Northwest Ohio. The Pathways to Purpose Summer Youth Program is designed to help young people discover their strengths, develop practical life skills, explore career pathways, build healthy relationships, and engage in meaningful service to their communities.
Participants will have opportunities to engage in a variety of hands-on experiences including skilled trades exploration, woodworking, automotive basics, blacksmithing, STEM and energy education, outdoor recreation, entrepreneurship, leadership development, community service projects, and mentorship activities. Youth will also participate in service initiatives that emphasize teamwork, responsibility, compassion, and community engagement.
The program is structured to provide a safe, supportive, and faith-centered environment where participants can build confidence, develop practical skills, and form positive relationships with mentors and peers.
"We believe every young person deserves an opportunity to discover their purpose and potential," said Nicholas Getzinger, Executive Director of NWOCO. "These generous grants allow us to remove barriers, expand programming opportunities, and provide experiences that many youth may not otherwise have access to. We are deeply grateful to each of our funding partners for believing in our mission and investing in the future of our communities."
In addition to financial support, the program benefits from significant contributions from volunteer mentors, community organizations, skilled trades professionals, local businesses, faith leaders, and service partners who donate their time, expertise, facilities, and resources to help make the program successful.
The 2026 Pathways to Purpose Summer Youth Program will serve youth ages 14 through 20 through a series of hands-on learning days, service projects, leadership activities, mentorship opportunities, and community engagement experiences throughout the summer.
NWOCO extends its sincere appreciation to the following organizations for their support of local youth:
• Greater Toledo Community Foundation
• Bill Rowles Youth Foundation Fund
• Katherine R. Smith Funds for Youth
• Toledo Mud Hens Foundation Transportation Grant Program
• Helping Hens Community Assistance Program
Together, these investments help strengthen the next generation of leaders, workers, mentors, and community servants throughout Northwest Ohio.
About Northwest Ohio Community Outreach (NWOCO)
Northwest Ohio Community Outreach is a nonprofit organization dedicated to mentorship, workforce development, youth engagement, veteran services, community outreach, and purpose-driven opportunities that strengthen individuals, families, and communities throughout Northwest Ohio. Through programs such as Pathways to Purpose, Trades of Grace, veteran outreach initiatives, and technical skills training, NWOCO works to help individuals discover purpose, build skills, and develop pathways toward long-term success.
For Additional Information:
Northwest Ohio Community Outreach (NWOCO)
St. Joseph Commons
P.O. Box 89
253 S. East Street
McClure, Ohio 43534
Phone: 419-575-2693
Email: NWOhioco@gmail.com
Website: NWOCO.org
It's Not All Work!
Summer Just Got More Fun!
See our Expanded Summer Fun Opportunity List Below