Benefits of Data Centers: Supporting Schools in Perkins Township, Ohio

According to Lonny Rivera, Superintendent of Perkins Local School District, preparing students for a changing workforce means expanding access to STEM programs, experiential learning, and real-world exposure.

Understanding the Benefits of Data Centers Beyond Infrastructure

When people ask about the benefits of data centers, the conversation usually focuses on infrastructure, power, and scale.

But the impact at the community level often tells a different story.

In Perkins Township, that impact is showing up in classrooms, where students are gaining exposure to careers and technologies that didn’t exist just a few years ago.

How Data Centers Support Schools in Perkins Township, Ohio

According to Lonny Rivera, Superintendent of Perkins Local School District, preparing students for a changing workforce means expanding access to STEM programs, experiential learning, and real-world environments.

Through partnerships with Aligned Data Centers, students have had the opportunity to tour an operating facility, giving them a firsthand look at how digital infrastructure works.

That experience doesn’t stop at the visit.

Students are taking what they’ve learned and turning it into classroom presentations, applying real-world insights to their studies and building a stronger connection between education and future careers.

Building a Workforce Pipeline Through STEM and Experiential Learning

Schools are placing greater emphasis on STEM and hands-on learning to better prepare students for what comes next.

Programs focused on robotics, problem-solving, and applied learning are helping students develop skills that align with today’s workforce needs.

Access to environments like data centers adds another layer to that preparation. It gives students visibility into careers they may not have considered and helps them understand how their education connects to real opportunities.

This kind of exposure is becoming more important as industries evolve and demand for technical and operational roles continues to grow.

The Local Economic Impact of Data Centers on Schools and Communities

The benefits of data centers also extend beyond education.

When companies invest in a region, it creates new opportunities for local schools that are often working within tight budgets.

Additional funding, access to industry professionals, and long-term economic activity all contribute to stronger support systems for students and educators.

In Ohio, where there is a broader push to grow as a technology hub, developments like this help strengthen both the local economy and the future workforce.

Why Community Engagement Matters in Data Center Development

Strong community engagement plays a key role in how data centers integrate into the regions where they operate.

In Perkins Township, collaboration between local schools and industry is helping students better understand a complex and evolving world while giving them access to people and experiences that can shape their future paths.

These relationships create a more direct connection between education and industry, making it easier for students to see where they fit and how they can contribute.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Benefits of Data Centers