Cultivating Local Talent: Laying the Groundwork for Greater Springfield's Future

What if the next generation of engineers, nurses, welders, and teachers already lives here in Greater Springfield and are just waiting for the spark of opportunity to ignite their potential? EXPAND Greater Springfield believes they do. That's why "Cultivate Local Talent," one of its primary initiatives in the EXPAND 2029 capital campaign, is focused on turning today's students into tomorrow's workforce. Because building a stronger community starts by investing in the people who already call it home.

Empowering Talent. Strengthening Community.

Greater Springfield is rich with potential, but like many communities, it faces a critical question: how do we ensure our students, educators, and employers are all pulling in the same direction? 

The "Cultivate Local Talent" initiative tackles that challenge head-on with a five-year, $2.55 million investment in education, workforce development, and community collaboration.

This initiative is more than just focusing on job placement. It's about creating a seamless, supportive system where young people discover their strengths early, educators are plugged into the local economy's needs, and businesses are equipped to develop talent within the community.

Talent Doesn't Always Need to Be Imported. It Needs to Be Ignited

Too often, communities chase talent from outside. However, in Springfield, the opportunity lies in developing the students already in our classrooms and the new residents choosing to make this place their home.

By aligning resources from our K-12 schools, Clark State College, Wittenberg University, and local employers, EXPAND 2029 will:

• Match students with internships through a formalized internship coordination system, gaining direct exposure to in-demand careers and building professional experience before they graduate.
• Host countywide 8th-grade career events to expose students to real-world job opportunities and provide hands-on experiences that build excitement and clarity for the future.
• Provide YouScience assessments for every 7th, 8th, and 10th grader in Clark County. These students will receive a personalized aptitude and interest evaluation, helping them find the best career fit for them.

Our goal is to have every student in grades 8, 10, and 12 receive a one-on-one review of their results by 2029 to map out a career path tailored to their strengths.

Giving Educators the Tools to Shape the Workforce

Teachers and counselors are a powerful force in shaping career paths. But to truly guide students toward opportunity, they need to be connected to the industries growing here in Springfield.

That's where the Educator Workforce Academy comes in. This academy will be a year-long professional development program that immerses new educators in local economic needs, talent development initiatives, and real-world business engagement. By year three of the campaign, our goal is to make the academy an annual program, ensuring that new educators enter the classroom with a deep understanding of how to connect curriculum to careers.

Supporting All Talent, Including Newcomers

As the Haitian population grows in Clark County, so does the need to integrate and support new residents in the workforce. EXPAND Greater Springfield is working alongside the Haitian Task Force to help businesses support this emerging population and ensure newcomers have pathways to employment, stability, and community.

Why Cultivating Local Talent Matters

Workforce challenges affect more than just businesses; they impact families, schools, and the entire community. By investing in our people now, Greater Springfield is building a resilient future where:

• Students are prepared for fulfilling careers close to home
• Businesses have access to a steady, skilled workforce
• Educators are equipped to guide students toward success
• New residents are welcomed into a community that values their contributions

Cultivating local talent is a community-building imperative. Through this first initiative, EXPAND 2029 sets a powerful tone for the future.