Quantum Syn, Nexora, Local Schools Pilot Career Pathways Program
By Shawn Quinn
Bowling Green-Warren County Unified Schools announced an exciting new partnership this morning. The partnership, focused on talent development and retention, unites local, regional, and national companies to help develop local students' skills and abilities and prepare them for careers in innovative fields–starting very early in their educational development.
Superintendent of Innovation and Development Denise Johnston announced the district's partnership in a press conference.
“We believe partnering with local businesses and manufacturing is a no-brainer,” she said. “These innovative companies know the skills needed to take our community to the next level and with their support we will be able to identify, develop, and retain talented workers for all sectors of the Bowling Green-Warren County economy.” This program, called TechMind Explore, is an intelligence assessment tool that helps students uncover their strengths in mathematics and technology. Through interactive challenges, AI-powered analytics, and real-world problem-solving scenarios, it provides personalized insights to guide students toward STEM success.
Jordan Kessler, CEO of QuantumSyn Innovations, a local tech startup specializing in AI-driven quantum computing solutions, next-gen cybersecurity, and advanced neural network research. is optimistic about the partnership. “Communities that invest in their youth are strong communities. We are happy to partner with BGWC schools and help develop talent to meet the needs of the surrounding area.” QuantumSyn has recently opened a quantum computing hub in Warren County. The company is planning to expand its operations and would like to attract local talent. “This program will help us Identify, grow, and retain local talent and make Bowling Green-Warren County a vibrant and thriving technology center.” Kessler added.
Assessment using TechMind will begin as early as elementary school and screen students for talents, dispositions, and aptitudes that may indicate they would be successful in specific careers. Selected students will then be placed into learning tracks at local schools that will foster and develop those talents.
“We will use the latest in generative AI, learning science, and connection to industry professionals to help these students reach their full potential,” Superintendent Johnston explained.
TechMind will continue in middle and high schools by matching students into career tracks in addition to the usual school subject. Students will develop the skills and critical thinking that are needed for the jobs they will fill in the future. School Board member Wilson Sackett explained, “The jobs we are preparing these students for don’t exist yet, but our partners in the business, technology, and manufacturing sectors understand the skills necessary to be successful in the fields our students will be entering.”
Lee Walsh, Talent Acquisition Specialist for Nexora Technologies explained, “In the past, students would sit through middle and high school, and while they learned things, valuable developmental time was lost. Time that could have been used more effectively to help prepare those students for innovative careers. This partnership will help eliminate that lost time.” Nexora Technologies, a technology development conglomerate, is a major partner in the program and hopes it will lead to more graduates remaining in the area. “We have the jobs; we just need to help build the minds to fill those jobs.”
