Building Pathways Close to Home: Sandusky Students Explore Careers in Digital Infrastructure

In Sandusky, Ohio, opportunity is taking shape just across the street from the classroom.

Through Aligned’s partnership with Sandusky High School, students have gained hands-on exposure to careers in digital infrastructure — connecting classroom learning with real-world applications near our NEO-01 data center.

What began as simple conversations about what a data center is has grown into meaningful exploration of the careers it can create. Today, students are learning about pathways in computer science, construction, and other technical fields that support critical infrastructure.

For many, it’s an industry they hadn’t previously considered.

Brandy Bennett, Career Technical Education Director, shared that students initially had limited awareness of the opportunities within the data center industry. Now, with increased exposure and engagement, they are developing a clearer understanding of the technical, operational, and skilled trade roles that exist close to home.

Eric Talbot, Director of Leadership and Innovation for Sandusky School District, described seeing the NEO-01 site from the front of the high school as “an invitation to the future.” He emphasized what thoughtful growth can mean for the region — new jobs, population stability, and the ability for families to remain rooted in the community.

That connection between education and industry is intentional.

Aligned believes that if we are building in a community, we should also be contributing to it in practical and lasting ways. In Sandusky, that means supporting educators, engaging with students, and helping build awareness of workforce pathways that strengthen both individual futures and the broader region.

By creating opportunities for early exposure to STEM and technical careers, partnerships like this help students see what is possible — not somewhere else, but in their own community.

As Sandusky continues to grow, collaboration between local schools and industry partners plays an important role in shaping a workforce that is prepared, informed, and inspired.

We are grateful to work alongside Brandy, Eric, and the entire Sandusky team as they invest in their students and their future.

To learn more about how Aligned engages in the communities where we operate, visit our Community page.