Investing in Ohio’s growth by investing in its workforce

By 2027, 70 percent of adults in the United States will need a credential beyond high school to advance their careers. But only 51.2 percent of Ohioans have a two-year degree, four-year degree or industry-recognized certificate—an attainment rate that could slow their career prospects and impact the wider economy.

In the face of rapid changes in technology, automation and artificial intelligence, the private and public sectors are joining forces to make sure the Buckeye state’s students are prepared for the jobs of tomorrow.

A vision for the future

In 2020, JPMorganChase made a $7 million, five-year commitment to support a new job-training initiative led by Ohio Excels, a nonprofit dedicated to working with the state’s business community to improve and transform Ohio’s education system. This investment is part of the bank’s $75 million commitment to prepare young people around the world for the future of work.

Through the Global Career Readiness Initiative, Ohio Excels coordinates with partners like Columbus City Schools, Ohio State University, Columbus State Community College and the state to give students access to mentors, internships, apprenticeships and other work-based learning experiences in high-demand sectors. By exposing high school students to career pathways in IT, health care and advanced manufacturing, the initiative aims to ease students’ transition to college or university programs in the state.

Lisa Gray, President of Ohio Excels, has seen firsthand how programs like this can change a child’s life. Recently, she learned of an Ohio student who had participated in a career pathway program through which he secured a job that allowed him to buy the house that his mother had only been able to rent.

“Stories like that illustrate what Ohio Excels is all about,” Gray says. “By supporting programs that contribute directly to students finding workplace success, we are strengthening not just our state but individual communities and families.”

A rich history of support

JPMorganChase has been committed to serving the people of Ohio for over 200 years. As one of the state’s largest employers, the company supports local organizations, government officials and community members to strengthen the local economy and create growth opportunities for residents.

Beyond working with Ohio Excels, the bank committed $600,000 to the Greater Cleveland Career Consortium, Cleveland Municipal School District and other groups that equip high school graduates with a career vision and a plan for how to achieve it. The bank also facilitated a $6.5 million New Markets Tax Credit equity investment in PUBCO Cleveland to create new manufacturing jobs with sustainable wages.

Corrine Burger, JPMorganChase Columbus Location Leader and one of the bank’s 20,700 Ohio- based employees[LC9] , underscores the importance of workforce development and job-training programs.

“Building on our longstanding commitment to Ohio, JPMorganChase is focused on ensuring that Ohioans have the necessary skills and resources to participate in the growth of the local economy,” she says.

Learn more about how JPMorganChase is helping create sustainable economic growth for Ohio and beyond.

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