THE CITY OF
Independence LIFE IN BALANCE
MAGAZINE 2026-27
Whether on the water, in the classroom or throughout the business community, Independence is building a balanced quality of life for residents. The 2026 Independence Police Department Bicycle Safety Rodeo
Inside:
Around Town: Find Your New Favorite Pizza Spot
Schools: Building Tomorrow’s Leaders
Business: The Tech Behind City Services
X
Economic Development E-Newsletter
Mayor Gregory P. Kurtz 6800 Brecksville Road Independence, OH 44131 p: 216.524.4131 EconomicDevelopment@IndependenceOhio.org
Welcome to Independence Magazine Dear Reader,
Gregory P. Kurtz, MAYOR
Independence is known as the Heart of Cuyahoga County, where friendly faces, safe neighborhoods, and vibrant business districts make everyone feel welcome. Nestled beside the beautiful Cuyahoga Valley National Park, our city is a wonderful place to live, work, and explore. The City’s property taxes are among the lowest in the area, allowing families to
Independence ended 2025 with a record amount of cash on its books — $58 million. But not all of that cash is available for new uses as some $35 million of it is already encumbered (set aside) for specific uses — mostly large capital equipment purchases and infrastructure projects. In the latter category, the City recently embarked on the first of a multi-phase, major upgrade of Brecksville Road — State Route 21 — from the southern boundary of Independence at Sprague Road all the way to well north of Rockside Road.
The scope of this project is immense, it will take a few construction seasons to complete, and it is forecasted to cost upwards of $30 million. But city officials know that for Independence to be a premier community in which to live, work, visit and raise a family, well-maintained and functioning infrastructure is one of the key pillars in achieving that.
Vern Blaze, FINANCE DIRECTOR
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thrive. With a strong operating budget of more than $40 million, we proudly offer outstanding schools and exceptional services that enrich the lives of our 7,500-plus residents. Our business-friendly city is easy to reach by highway, airport, or from downtown Cleveland, making Independence a hub of opportunity. A diverse range of industries, corporate headquarters, nonprofits, colleges, restaurants, and entertainment venues all contribute to our lively community. And to top it all off, Lake Erie, pro sports, museums, theaters, amusement parks and two zoos are all just a short drive away, offering endless fun and adventure for everyone. A heartfelt thank you to Great Lakes Publishing for another wonderful edition of Independence Magazine. Please check out the stories inside and support our amazing local business sponsors who make this free issue possible.
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around town Rapid Response Tools
Cleveland Clinic respiration training
HEALTHY RESPONSE, STRONG COMMUNITY Through a longstanding partnership with Cleveland Clinic and other health care institutions the Independence Fire Department is investing in wellness, advanced training and technology that helps keep residents safe. // BY KRISTEN HAMPSHIRE
W
Wellness When Duty Calls
Through Cleveland Clinic AtWork, firefighters receive annual physicals, blood work, hearing and vision screenings, cardiovascular evaluations and stress testing. The department also reviews aggregate health data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement. Firefighters also participate in annual mental wellness evaluations through the city’s Employee Assistance Program. The approach helps normalize conversations about mental health in a 4
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profession where exposure to traumatic events can accumulate over time. “We’ve found that when everyone participates, the stigma is reduced,” Chief Rega says. The relationship with Cleveland Clinic also includes hands-on training opportunities. Each year, members of the Clinic’s Critical Care Transport Team — including pilots, physicians, nurse practitioners, critical care nurses and paramedics — train alongside Independence firefighters at the Civic Center and other city locations. The exercises combine classroom instruction with practical team-building scenarios designed to strengthen coordination during emergency responses. Also, Cleveland Clinic provides continuing education programs for Independence and neighboring fire departments on topics such as cardiac emergencies and advanced patient care. For Chief Rega, the investment in wellness, training and education serves a simple purpose: keeping firefighters healthy, prepared and ready to serve. The program benefits firefighters and the residents who depend on them when help is needed most. “It allows our team to have less time off work due to injury, and if they do get injured, it gives us a path to get them back on the job as quickly as possible,” he says.
COURTESY STEVEN REGA, COURTESY OF INDEPENDENCE
hen residents call 911, they expect highly trained firefighters and paramedics to respond. For more than six years, the Independence Fire Department has partnered with Cleveland Clinic to provide comprehensive annual health screenings for every firefighter. The program was developed in response to the unique physical and mental demands of the profession, in which exposure to fire byproducts, high-stress incidents and strenuous activity can take a toll over the course of a career. “We wanted a program that was specific to firefighters,” says Fire Chief Steve Rega. “Cleveland Clinic came up with a very good model for us, and we’ve been with them ever since.”
The department’s focus on wellness also influences the technology and equipment firefighters use every day. “We look at how we can improve our processes and reduce how strenuous the work can be,” Chief Rega says. This has led Independence to invest in equipment that improves patient care while reducing physical demands on first responders. Automated patient cots help minimize lifting injuries, while specialized equipment allows firefighters to perform physically demanding tasks more safely and efficiently. The department is also embracing advances in emergency medical technology. New LIFEPAK 35 cardiac monitors provide enhanced patient monitoring capabilities and improved data integration, giving paramedics more information during critical incidents. Another key tool is the department’s LUCAS 3, an automated CPR system that performs chest compressions during cardiac emergencies. The technology captures valuable data that can be reviewed by medical directors to evaluate performance and identify opportunities for improvement. “This information allows us to look at the big picture and continually improve,” Chief Rega says. The department is also using drones, which can provide situational awareness during emergencies, particularly along busy freeway corridors. Meanwhile, Independence continues to make strategic investments in its fleet, Chief Rega adds. The city recently began remounting ambulance bodies onto new chassis rather than replacing entire vehicles, extending equipment life while reducing costs. “Our goal is always to ensure that firefighters are healthy, prepared and equipped to serve the community,” he says. Independence Fire Department training module
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technology
CONNECTED CITY Digital tools, data and AI are helping shape the city's next chapter. // BY KRISTEN HAMPSHIRE
A
pothole disappears. A sewer problem is fixed. A permit moves forward. A new business chooses to invest in the community. Behind each win, technology is playing a larger role in how Independence plans, operates and grows. From mapping infrastructure and digitizing city services to supporting AI initiatives at major employers, the city is embracing new tools to work smarter, respond more efficiently to residents and put data into action. “We are working on bridging the gap between being techforward while still maintaining the gold standard of customer service Independence has always embraced,” says Dawn Olsen, who helps implement and support the software platforms used across departments.
Service Director Ron McKinley adds, “Capturing data so we can pull service reports, manage our inventory of vehicles and stay on track with resident requests is a game changer.” Here’s a look at the city’s technology playbook-in-progress and stakeholder businesses that are supporting innovation.
Mapping a Smarter City
From roads and utilities to permits, trees and capital projects, the City of Independence is increasingly relying on geographic information systems (GIS) to bring data together and support better decision-making. GIS allows city departments to visualize and analyze information based on location. Residents interact with similar technology every day through tools like Google Maps, but Independence is applying those capabilities to city operations.
“GIS is essentially the foundation of all of it,” says Chad Harris, GISP, city planner, economic development and planning specialist for the city. Over the past several years, Independence has worked to consolidate fragmented geographic data into a single GIS platform used by departments including engineering, building and service, planning and economic development. For engineers, Harris says GIS helps track infrastructure assets such as water lines, sewers, manholes and roadway conditions. Building and service departments use the technology to map permits, work orders and maintenance activities. The city is also expanding its use of GIS for tree management, turning a recently completed urban tree canopy inventory into a long-term inspection and maintenance program.
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Service Deparment employee fulfilling a service request
COURTESY CITY OF INDEPENDENCE
In economic development, Harris says GIS is helping city leaders communicate complex projects more effectively. Harris recently launched an interactive online “story map” that allows residents to explore major capital projects through dynamic maps, visuals and project information.
Simplifying Service Requests
For residents, city services are often measured by outcomes. Behind the scenes, the City of Independence has been modernizing the systems that make those services possible. Over the past several years, the service department has transitioned from paper-based processes to a largely digital operation. Work orders, fleet management, sewer inspections and
maintenance tracking are now powered by technology that provides real-time information and historical data at the click of a button. “Technology has helped us become an extremely efficient service department,” McKinley says. One of the most significant changes has been the implementation of Tyler Technologies, a work order management platform that connects office staff and field crews. Work orders are created electronically and sent directly to tablets used by employees in the field, where they can document labor, materials and completed work without returning to the office. “Five years ago, we did everything by hand, all written down on paper,” McKinley says of the city’s swift digitization.
“Now we have a computerized, digitized work order management system.” The department has also invested in GPS technology throughout its fleet. Vehicle tracking allows supervisors to monitor routes, verify service activities and respond quickly to resident questions. For example, during snow events, staff can confirm when a street was plowed, review vehicle activity and access video from forward-facing cameras mounted on trucks. Sewer inspection cameras enable crews to locate blockages, calculate distances and document conditions throughout the system. Video footage is stored digitally, creating a growing database that can be used to track changes over time and identify recurring issues before they become larger problems.
Empowered Reporting
Olsen says the impetus behind many of the City’s technology initiatives is a simple goal: make it easier for residents to connect with city services. As project manager and information systems analyst for Independence, Olsen helps implement and support the software platforms used across departments.
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Building an AI-Ready Workforce
When CGI selected Independence for its newest Northeast Ohio location, the decision was about more than office space. The global IT and business consulting firm views the city as a strategic hub for innovation, workforce
CGI grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony
development and collaboration with local universities. CGI officially opened the Independence location this spring. “We believe in living locally alongside our clients and delivering with global scale and capabilities,” says Doug Vargo, CGI’s U.S. AI Transformation and Alliances lead. “That means building lasting relationships, understanding local priorities and investing in the communities where we work.” Vargo says partnerships are especially important as AI reshapes the workforce. And while a lot of discussion centers on AI replacing jobs, Vargo sees a different future.
“Northeast Ohio schools are producing AI-native talent,” he says. “These early-career professionals are coming out already understanding how to leverage AI and how that’s going to transform themselves.” CGI has plans to play a role in this ecosystem by working with universities on real-world challenges, helping students gain experience while creating a stronger pipeline of skilled workers for Northeast Ohio employers. Across the public and private sectors, CGI is working with clients to modernize legacy systems, improve customer service and make information more accessible through AI-powered tools.
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Through Tyler’s MyCivic portal on the city’s website, residents can report common issues such as potholes, fallen trees, damaged street signs or other concerns directly through the city website. “Requests are routed to the appropriate department, converted into work orders and we can track the process until it’s completed,” she explains. The platform also helps city staff manage permits, maintenance activities and other operational functions while providing a centralized system for tracking information. These tools work hand MyCivic in hand with the city’s portal broader technology infrastructure, including GIS mapping and asset management systems that help departments organize and share information more effectively, Olsen says.
technology
COURTESY CBIZ
Investing in the City
CBIZ’s commitment to innovation extends beyond artificial intelligence to its long-term investment in Independence. CBIZ, which employs more than 9,500 team members nationwide and has called Independence home since its founding 30 years ago. Two years ago, CBIZ reinforced that commitment by becoming the anchor tenant in the city’s first new Class A office development in more than two decades. According to Elizabeth Newman, chief human resources officer, the decision was driven by business and workforce considerations. “Our location allows us to pull talent from all areas across Northeast Ohio,” Newman says. Newman credits the city and regional economic development partners with helping make the project possible. Collaboration among the city, JobsOhio, Team NEO and Greater Cleveland Partnership helped create an environment that has encouraged the company to grow in Northeast Ohio. Today, the headquarters serves as a model for CBIZ offices
nationwide, combining state-of-theart technology, flexible workspaces and collaborative environments designed to support the company’s people-first culture. A focus on people is also shaping the company’s approach to AI. Before launching its recent partnership with Microsoft, CBIZ developed its own AI-powered platform and recorded more than a million interactions as employees explored ways to integrate artificial intelligence into their daily work. Today, the company’s focus extends beyond technology adoption to workforce transformation. “AI adoption is less of a technology problem, more of a people opportunity,” says David Fisher, vice president of artificial intelligence. By embedding AI into familiar tools such as Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint, CBIZ is helping employees automate routine tasks, uncover insights faster and spend more time delivering value to clients. For CBIZ, AI is not about replacing human expertise. It’s about enhancing it. And this philosophy aligns closely with the vision behind
CBIZ Corporate Headquarters
the Independence headquarters. “Community engagement and our partnerships and relationships in the community are a big part of our culture,” Newman says. clevelandmagazine.com/cleveland-communities
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THE CITY OF
Independence LIFE IN BALANCE
MAGAZINE 2026-27
Whether on the water, in the classroom or throughout the business community, Independence is building a balanced quality of life for residents. The 2026 Independence Police Department Bicycle Safety Rodeo
noacc.org
216-447-9900
info@noacc.org Inside:
Around Town: Find Your New Favorite Pizza Spot
Schools: Building Tomorrow’s Leaders
Business: The Tech Behind City Services
INDEPENDENCEOHIO.ORG
9
it happen,” Conners quips, noting orders to the tune of 200 sheet pizzas for local healthcare organizations celebrating National Nurses Day. “If someone wants something ’s at 7a.m., I’ll set an alarm R o m it o and I’ll be there.” a ll b t a e M This reputation has a z iz P made Romito’s a go-to for schools, businesses, sports teams and family gatherings. For Connors, the business has always been about more than pizza. “I like taking care of people,” Connors says. “I’m same guy here as I am at home — the one cooking for everyone, talking to people, having fun and helping out wherever I can.”
Three Independence pizzerias prove there’s more than one path to pizza perfection. By Kristen Hampshire
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The Crowd Pleaser
Romito's Pizza
At Romito’s Pizza, great pizza is only part of the story. The Independence staple has been feeding the community since 1980, and co-owners Mike Connors and Mike Kral believe one reason for its longevity is simple: people know who’s behind the counter. “One of us is here every day,” Connors says of the familyowned operation. A former high school employee who eventually became co-owner, Connors has spent decades building relationships with customers while serving the same recipes that have made Romito’s a local favorite. The dough, sauce and signature use of provolone cheese instead of mozzarella have remained remarkably consistent over the years. So has the philosophy. Need pizza for a last-minute party? Romito’s will find a way. Need enough food to feed a crowd? “We’ll make
The Traditionalist
Augie’s Pizza
Some pizza shops talk about tradition. At Augie’s Pizza, heritage is baked into the recipe. The family-owned business traces its roots to Augustine “Augie” D’Amicone, who immigrated from Italy and opened his first pizza shop in 1965. More than six decades later, the Independence location continues to follow the same approach, right down to a sauce recipe that once earned top honors at the Cleveland Pizza Bake-Off. “We’ve never changed anything,” says owner Ed Pesta. “We’re still using the same recipe Augie created.” One thing long-time customers notice immediately is that the toppings go underneath the cheese. It’s a signature technique that helps lock in flavor while giving every slice a pielike quality that sets Augie’s apart from the crowd, Pest explains. The sauce is another point of pride. Unlike many pizzerias that use a coldmixed recipe, Augie’s slowly cooks its sauce for hours. “We don’t cut corners,” Pesta says. “That’s the way it’s always been.”
COURETSY JENNY PERDUE
izza inspires strong opinions. Some people are loyal to the classics, where family recipes and decades of tradition are folded into every slice. Others want a neighborhood favorite that can feed a crowd at a moment’s notice. And then there are those looking for something unexpected — a creative pie paired with a craft cocktail and a fresh take on a local institution. Good news. Independence delivers all three. Serving up famous slices are a family-owned shop making recipes that originated with an Italian immigrant, along with a hometown pizzeria built on service and consistency. There’s also a reimagined tavern serving pepperoni pickle pizza and housemade hot honey. Choose your pie or give each a try. These local favorites prove there is more than one way to nosh on a great slice.
PIE PICKS: Sheet pizzas are a specialty, and the large pepperoniand-sausage pie remains one of the shop’s most popular orders. “We use provolone cheese, no mozzarella,” Connors says. “And we don’t skimp on toppings or cheese. People call back and say, ‘I didn’t order double cheese.’ That’s what we do.”
feature Au gi e's wh ite ba co n pi ne ap pl e pi zz a
PIE PICKS: For first-time visitors, Pesta recommends starting with a classic deluxe pie or one of the shop’s popular white pizzas. Stop by at lunchtime and you’ll find slices ready to go, from veggie and deluxe to specialty creations. And while pizza remains the star, loyal customers also line up for house-made lasagna, baby back ribs and the Italian dressing that many buy by the quart.
The Rule Breaker
COURTESY JENNY PERDUE / ISTOCK: DMY TRO CHELPANOV / L AUR A WATILO BL AKE
The Declaration Tavern
If Augie’s is built on tradition and Romito’s thrives on consistency, Declaration Tavern is all about reinvention. The newest player in Independence’s pizza scene occupies a familiar address. Formerly known as Angie’s Tavern, the restaurant was reimagined earlier this year by Independence native and veteran chef Tim Jermann, whose culinary resume includes stops with Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, Del Frisco’s and several nationally recognized hospitality groups. Jermann wanted to create something Independence didn’t already have: a neighborhood tavern with chef-driven food, creative cocktails and pizzas that push beyond the expected. The result is The Dec, as locals call it. The dough ferments for 72 hours. Vegetables are cut fresh. Dressings, sauces, soups and meatballs are made in house. And the specialty pizzas push the boundaries of deluxe pies. Case in point: the Pepperoni Pickle Pizza, topped with dill pickles, cupping pepperoni and house-made hot honey. It’s become the restaurant’s runaway bestseller. The Dec added wraps to the menu, and the wings are brined in-house and gluten-free because they are baked with a bit of oil for crunch and crisped in the pizza oven. Recent renovations have doubled the seating and transformed the space into a brighter, more contemporary gathering spot. A patio was recently added. And for Jermann, all this is about creating the neighborhood hangout he always wanted to see in his hometown. Judging by the crowds, Independence residents and visitors are filling the seats. “It’s the new local spot,” he says.
Ow n er & C h ef, Tim J er m a n n
PIE PICKS: Check out The Dec’s creative pizza topping combinations like the pepperoni pickle that triples the secondbest sellers in sales (Veggie Lover and Meat Lovers). The full bar offers about 60 different beers and craft cocktails including an espresso martini and lemon-lavender haze (a Swifty salute). INDEPENDENCEOHIO.ORG
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education
MAKING the GRADE From innovative programs to strong leaders and building the ones of tomorrow, education is key in Independence. // BY LAURA BUSOLD
Bridges in Mathematics Curriculum Delivers Strong First-Year Results
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dent Kelli Cogan. “Students are talking through problems, working together, using hands-on tools and developing confidence in their abilities.” Building on this success, the district will implement the Amplify Math Desmos curriculum in grades 6 through Algebra 1 beginning in the 2026–27 school year.
Rooted in Independence
When Carolyn Noll Sorg graduated from Independence High School in 2002, she never imagined that one day she would lead one of Northeast Ohio’s most respected universities. Yet on June 1, 2026, Sorg officially became the 27th president of John Carroll University — the first woman and only the third layperson to hold the position in the institution’s 139-year history. For Sorg, the achievement is rooted in the values and experiences that shaped her while growing up in Independence. A lifelong resident, Sorg grew up surrounded by family and community. Her grandparents lived just down the street, and today she and her husband are raising their own children in the same neighborhood. She remembers spending summers Carolyn Noll Sorg riding bikes with friends, gathering at the pool and celebrating Home Days. That close-knit community also influenced her understanding of education. “Being in the Independence schools, which were small and where I always felt known, really shaped my point of view on what education should be and should feel like,” Sorg says. Several teachers left a lasting impression. Sorg remembers junior high history teacher Mr. McGuinness for making learning exciting. She also credits her AP English teacher, Mr. Walchanowicz, with challenging students to reach beyond what they thought possible. “That AP English class was probably the hardest class I ever took,” she says. “But it built confidence, and I went into college feeling like I could achieve anything.” Now, as she steps into her historic role, Sorg hopes her appointment demonstrates what is possible for the next generation. Inspired by the words of her “very wise” 9-year-old son, she offers simple but powerful advice to all young people growing up in Independence today: “You should always be moving forward.”
COURTESY JOHN CARROLL UNIVERSITY
As the 2025–26 school year concludes, Independence Local Schools is celebrating a successful first year of implementing the Bridges in Mathematics curriculum for students in grades PreK–5. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, problem-solving and conceptual understanding, helping students build confidence while developing strong math skills. “Students look forward to math each day as they search for patterns, share their strategies and learn from classmates,” says the district’s thirdgrade teachers. “The program has strengthened not only math skills, but also speaking, listening and criticalthinking abilities.” Natalie Matthews, assistant superintendent of curriculum, instruction and assessments, highlights the curriculum’s long-term benefits. “Skills intentionally build from one grade to the next, creating a logical progression of learning that improves student achievement over time,” she says. The curriculum also aligns with the district’s broader instructional goals of fostering critical thinking, inquiry, collaboration and real-world problemsolving skills. Teachers across the district have embraced the opportunity to shift from rote memorization toward helping students truly understand and apply mathematics. “Math classrooms across our district look different today,” says Superinten-
Mayor Kurtz highlights how Dale Carnegie Training opens doors and creates opportunities for leadership.
COURTESY CATHERINE RIEGER
Building Tomorrow’s Leaders
Through the City of Independence’s support of the Dale Carnegie Gen Next program, local students have the opportunity to develop confidence, communication skills, leadership abilities, relationship-building skills and strategies for managing stress and worry. The eight-week program, typically held on a weekday evening at Independence High School, helps students navigate the challenges of college, careers and adulthood. Jeanne Wiedt, area manager and certified senior trainer for Dale Carnegie Training of Northeast Ohio, says one of the most noticeable transformations she sees throughout the eight weeks is the growth in students’ confidence. Many participants begin the program hesitant to speak in front of others or unsure of their abilities. By graduation, they have confidence to communicate more effectively and the ability to reach out and build trust with others. “You can hear it in their voices,” Wiedt says. “They’re ready to take on what’s next.” The program reflects the City’s commitment to developing not only successful students, but future leaders. By investing in these essential life skills
today, Independence is helping young people build a foundation for success that will serve them for years to come.
Catherine Rieger
A Foundation for Success
When Catherine Rieger enrolled in the Dale Carnegie Gen Next program during her senior year at Independence High School, she already knew she wanted to pursue engineering. What she didn't realize was how important communication and relationship-building skills would be to her future success. Today, Rieger is a junior at the University of Akron studying polymer engineering — a highly specialized field with only a handful of students in her program. She has already secured her first internship as a Quality Engineering Intern at Ohio Aluminum, where she works on aerospace castings and aircraft engine components.
“I realized early on that technical skills alone weren't going to be enough,” Rieger says. “You can be incredibly knowledgeable, but if you can't communicate your ideas or work with others, you’re limiting yourself.” While she expected to gain communication skills through the program, Rieger says the relationships she built with her fellow participants became one of its most valuable aspects. The experience taught her how to create genuine connections and make others feel heard and valued. Those lessons continue to serve her well in both college and the workplace. Whether she's collaborating with technicians, engineers, managers or professors, Rieger credits the program with helping her communicate confidently and build relationships with people from diverse backgrounds. Looking back, she describes the program as life-changing. “Dale Carnegie was the first step in getting over my fear of talking to others,” she says. “It helped me secure my first internship and opened up a whole new world for me.” For students considering the program, her advice is simple: “Just do it.”
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education
By the Numbers
72
GRADUATES IN THE CLASS OF 2026
5802
24
STUDENTS WITH A 4.0 GPA OR HIGHER
47
325
HONORS DIPLOMA
SEALS EARNED
5
COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS FOR GRADUATING SENIORS
126
$1.5
$5.45 $46,300
MILLION IN SCHOLARSHIPS ACCEPTED
AP TESTS TAKEN
MILLION IN SCHOLARSHIPS OFFERED
2025-26 ENROLLMENT:
CUYAHOGA VALLEY CAREER CENTER CREDENTIALS
18 CVCC GRADS
IN LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS
TOTAL: 993, IPS: 402, IMS: 323, IHS: 268
Academy •S eattle University • J ohn Carroll University •R ochester Institute of Technology •U nited States Air Force •W estern Michigan University •U niversity of Akron •A kron General Hospital Paramedic School •U niversity of Colorado Boulder •F lorida Atlantic University •O hio Technical College •C uyahoga Valley Career Center •W alsh University •G rove City College •B owling Green State University •K enyon College •U niversity of Tennessee
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ISTOCK: BLUEASTRO / WONDERFULPIXEL
667
COLLEGE CREDITS EARNED
13
NCAA STUDENTATHLETES
COLLEGES, UNIVERSITIES & POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS • U niversity of Cincinnati •O hio University •T he Ohio State University •K ent State University •N orfolk State University •M iami University •C leveland State University •O hio State University Newark •U niversity Hospitals Paramedic Program •T iffin University •C uyahoga Community College •L oyola University Chicago •O hio Wesleyan University •G reat Lakes Maritime
Copyright 2026 by Great Lakes Studios. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without permission of Great Lakes Studios. All rights reserved. The City of Independence and the publisher are not responsible for errors or omissions. All information is subject to change.
APPRENTICESHIPS, TRADES & OTHER PATHWAYS •M CPC (Configuration Technician) •R o-Check Electrical (Electrician) •L ocal 38 IBEW Union (Apprenticeship) • I nternational Union of Operating Engineers (Apprenticeship) •L iceo Scientifico Galileo Galilei Potenza (Italy) HEALTH & MEDICAL FIELDS •N ursing •P re-Nursing •P re-Med •B iology •E xercise Science •P ublic Health •S peech Pathology and Audiology •C ommunication Sciences & Disorders •R adiology •P re-Radiologic Sciences and Therapy •O ccupational Therapy Assistant •E mergency Medical Services •H ealth Sciences (Child Life Specialty) BUSINESS, FINANCE & MANAGEMENT •B usiness •B usiness Administration •B usiness/Finance •F inance •F inance & Wealth Management •A ccounting •E conomics and Sustainability •C onstruction Project Management •C onstruction Management •P ublic Safety Management
ENGINEERING, STEM & TECHNOLOGY •M echanical Engineering •A erospace Engineering •N uclear Engineering •M aritime Engineering •A eronautical Studies •C ybersecurity •S urveying and Mapping •C ommunity Planning •C onfiguration Technician •H igh Performance and Racing Technology
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EDUCATION, ARTS & HUMANITIES •M usic Education •M usical Theatre •H istory •E nglish •P hotography •A nthropology & Archaeology SOCIAL SCIENCES, LAW & PUBLIC SERVICE • Criminal Justice • Criminology SKILLED TRADES, MILITARY & APPRENTICESHIPS •E lectrician •A pprentice (IBEW Local 38) •A pprentice (International Union of Operating Engineers) •S ecurity Forces (U.S. Air Force) CAREER CENTER & EMPLOYMENT •N ursing (CVCC) •F ull-Time Employment: •H oney Hut •F uture Directions Hair Studio & Spa •K urtz Brothers Landscaping •M angol’s Auto Service (Mechanic)
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