STEUBENVILLE, Ohio — Oil and gas companies are taking an active role in a newly formed Utica Shale Academy.

The academy is being offered statewide to grades 9-12 under the auspices of the Jefferson County Educational Service Center and begins on Aug. 19 through facilities housed at Southern Local High School in Salineville, Columbiana County.

Chief Academic Officer Dr. Chuck Kokiko, who provides oversight to the academy through the Jefferson County ESC, said about 24 students were registered to date, but the class size was unlimited.

“Our target is 50 and we’ll service as many as we can,” Kokiko said.

Academy officials hope to hold at least one lecture per month from oil and gas firm representatives to discuss everything from well pads to maintenance. Express Energy Services has already committed to participating in the series.

An advisory board is also being formed to help grads prepare for college or gain employment once they obtain their diplomas.

Continuing education

Kokiko said the Utica Shale Academy might also assist companies with current workers.

“If we can be a resource to the companies and provide training to employees, we’d be interested in doing that as well.”

Brian Logue, a sales representative for Express Energy Services, said the Texas-based company has actively supported educational programs and communities throughout the country, but this marks a first for the local area.

Express Energy Services, which has locations in Canonsburg and Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and locally in Toronto and Cambridge, employs nearly 100 people regionally and provides different lines of service such as conductor hole drilling, casing running, wireline and well testing.

About the school

The Utica Shale Academy, which is a conversion school sponsored by the Jefferson County Educational Service Center, will offer more than 100 traditional high school courses, including advanced placement and specialized classes focusing on the energy industry.

It is a tuition-free program that allows for flexible scheduling and blended learning. Students must spend a majority of their time on campus but may attend morning or afternoon classes on alternate days.

It also has articulations agreements with Stark State and Eastern Gateway Community Colleges for students to earn college credit while in high school and create an accelerated tract to earn certificates and associates degrees at Stark State.

Coursework is recognized by the International Association of Drilling Contractors, and officials are also consulting with the Society of Petroleum Engineers for curriculum options. Students will be eligible for RigPass and other oil and gas-specific certifications so they can leave high school ready to enter the job market.

For more information, contact Kokiko at 740-283-334, the academy at 330-679-8162, go online to uticashaleschool.com or email info@uticashaleschool.com.