Nearly $9.9 Million Awarded To Businesses, Nonprofits and Values-based Groups to Mentor Students through Ohio’s New Community Connectors Program since July 2015
Thirty-six community partnerships will share more than $3 million in the latest round of grants in Ohio’s Community Connectors school mentorship program. Since July 2015, 118 community partnerships have been awarded nearly $9.9 million for programs that give more Ohio students access to role models who can help motivate and inspire them and help them develop skills that lead to success in school and the workplace.
Ohio Gov. John R. Kasich proposed the creation of the Community Connectors program in his 2014 State of the State address to help give more Ohio students access to role models who can help motivate and inspire them, as well as help them develop skills that lead to success in school and the workplace. In all, the state received 192 applications for funding and each application included a business, civic and values-based partner organization.
“The response to the Community Connectors grant opportunity tells us that communities want to help students reach their educational and career goals,” said Dr. Richard A. Ross, state superintendent of public instruction. “I’m excited that this community-based mentoring program is helping move education into a new era, where everyone in the community comes together for student success.”
Over half of Ohio’s 88 counties are home to one or more Community Connectors grants. In light of the overwhelming interest in the new program, lawmakers recently provided an additional $20 million in the state budget to fund more projects over the next two years.
Dr. Ross selected the award winners after considering a number of important factors, including the mission and vision of Community Connectors. The program provides $3 for every $1 provided by local partnerships for activities specifically associated with one-to-one mentoring.
Among the diverse businesses, nonprofits and other groups coming together to help mentor students in 18 counties are: Champaign County Manufacturer’s Council; Western Clark County Business Coalition; Wellsville Lion’s Club; Youngstown Business Incubator; Cislunar Systems, LLC; McWhorter Construction Co.; Northern Ohio Recovery Association; Cleveland Clinic; Collaborative Endeavors Inc.; Cosmic Bobbins; American Heelers; Nationwide Children’s Hospital; Phosi Express Laundromat; Liberty Mutual Insurance; US Bank; Hilltop YMCA; Columbus Mortgage Bankers; Mount Carmel Hospital; Donatos; CMax Advisors; Fidelity Investments; Northside Community Bank; Messer Construction; Bartlett & Co.; Paycor; Clark, Shaefer, Hackett; Ipsos; Kroger & Co; First Financial Bank; Coupons, Inc; Dinsmore & Shohl; JP Morgan; Ft. Washington Investment; CERKL.com; Girl Scouts of Western Ohio; Quest Federal Credit Union; Ensign Associates; Hardin County Ministerial Association; EnvisionEdPlus; Asa Cox Homes; Netgain Information Systems; Nordson Corporation; PolyOne; Taylor Automotive Group; Leona Group Schools; Whittington Group Realty; Medical Mutual of Ohio; CCS Transportation, Inc.; PNC Bank; Big Brothers Big Sisters; Raymond James Financial; Peoples Bank; REsolve Studios
