Create a Local Talent Pipeline for Students

Employers are on the hunt for talent across the country, and it’s no different in Springfield, Ohio. The Greater Springfield Partnership battles an employee exodus daily. “A lot of our talent is actually going outward,” said Amy Donahoe, director of workforce development. “Fifty-six percent of our working population, which is about 30,000 workers, are working outside our community.”

Donahoe said the focus quickly became to keep talent at home. Located between Dayton and Columbus, the Springfield area is home to eight school districts and 14 high schools. However, after graduation, it is usually too late to keep students local. Most employers are unable to focus on schools because of all the other aspects of running a business.

Through her chamber network, Donahoe learned about YouScience, which offers a way to uncover and align local talent with education pathways and industry partners.

“When working with employers, they mention students not being engaged or them not having a connection to the school,” said Armando Garzo, senior vice president of sales and marketing at YouScience. “When you talk with schools, their students are saying, ‘I don’t really know what happens in a career or why I’m taking a particular course.’”

YouScience uses aptitude-based discovery tools for students while providing certifications and career options. Their brain games provide affirmative feedback to highlight a student’s abilities and how to apply those skills at work, home and school. Through a capital campaign focused on workforce development, the Greater Springfield Partnership paid for area high schools to have access to the reporting. There was no charge to students and school leadership bought into the assessments.

“We really focused on in-demand jobs and educating the schools,” said Donahoe. “Employers are wanting to find new and exciting opportunities on ways to connect with the future workforce. We’ve been the hub for that.”

Donahoe said the partnership’s work helped merge the silos of education and industry. YouScience can start assessments as early as middle school, showing students how abilities and industries align. Donahoe said the organization allowed employers to take the assessment as well to see what it was all about.

“We really do see this as a huge change agent for us,” said Donahoe.