Heights High Marketing Students Build Business Skills Through Role Models Program

Cleveland Heights High School’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) Marketing students recently participated in the Reaching Heights Role Models Program, a multi-week, career-readiness initiative made possible through a partnership with KeyBank. This innovative program provided students with direct access to financial professionals and real-world business experiences that extended far beyond the classroom.

Throughout the series, students engaged in interactive workshops covering essential topics such as banking basics, mobile banking, identity theft prevention, budgeting, credit management, and business plan development. KeyBank professionals led the sessions, offering students expert guidance and insight into financial literacy and entrepreneurship.

Students also created personalized InternMatch profiles to explore internship and work-based learning opportunities—taking important steps toward building their professional futures.

One of the program’s highlights was the Business Network Connection Night on April 28, where students had the opportunity to meet and network with local entrepreneurs and professionals. This event gave students a firsthand look into small business operations and opened doors to potential summer internships.

Student reflections underscored the meaningful impact of the program, with many expressing increased confidence, practical financial knowledge, and a deeper interest in entrepreneurship.

Marketing teacher Dr. Lin, who coordinated the program at Heights High, expressed her gratitude for the collaboration. “This program has been incredibly impactful. Thanks to the generosity and mentorship of the professionals at KeyBank and the ongoing support from Reaching Heights, our students are developing the tools and confidence needed for future success.”

In recognition of her leadership and dedication, Dr. Lin has been invited to speak at the Reaching Heights Annual Meeting tonight, June 18, 2025. The event will celebrate the year’s successes and explore future opportunities for expanding the Role Models Program.

This initiative reflects the strength of school-community partnerships in preparing students for real-world success—empowering them to lead with purpose, professionalism, and vision.