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The Civic Leadership Program (CLP) gathered for a midpoint check-in earlier this month. The cohort members heard from graduates of the School Board School program in Cincinnati about how they are using the experience to serve as education advocates and school board members. Their stories and group networking helped the CLP cohort members to refine their Vision for Impact which is a key aspect of the program. Members worked together to refine their vision and determine what they'll need to reach their goals. The midpoint check-in was more than just a meeting; it was a catalyst. Armed with new insights from veteran advocates and a sharpened focus on their goals, the CLP cohort is now entering the home stretch of their journey. The path from vision to impact is rarely a straight line, but this group is more prepared than ever to lead the way.

Learn to Earn Dayton is proud to announce our partnership with the Omega Community Development Center (Omega CDC) to fund the implementation of the Literacy Tree program at Fairview Elementary. This initiative represents a significant step forward in our commitment to High Impact Tutoring (HIT) as a proven strategy for closing achievement gaps in our community. This week Literacy Tree was integrated into the existing Scholars of Hope afterschool program. This virtual supplemental literacy instruction is specifically designed to supplement classroom instruction by focusing on foundational reading skills. What makes this program truly remarkable is its accountability; the Literacy Tree guarantees that students will improve their literacy skills within a 12-week window, or the fee is waived to continue their instruction. This level of commitment ensures that our investment is directly translating into measurable student growth. The pilot program will serve 25 students through a rigorous schedule of 45-minute lessons three days per week. These sessions are led by certified literacy teachers who provide two sessions of core instruction and one dedicated reinforcement session. This structured approach allows for the deep, consistent engagement necessary to move the needle on student performance before the program concludes in April. "It was such a great kick-off. The scholars were engaged, the staff jumped into action, and smiles were all around. I asked the scholars after class how they felt and they all said they were excited for tomorrow!" - Courtney Dortch-Wright, Director of Out of School Time Programs This initiative demonstrates the power of aligned community partners. The project was initiated when Montgomery County ESC introduced this literacy tool , creating a synergy between Omega CDC’s leadership, Fairview Elementary, and Dayton Public Schools. By providing the financial support for this program, Learn to Earn Dayton is honored to help provide the high-quality resources these students need to unlock their full potential and master the essential skill of reading.

We are thrilled to welcome back Kelly Geers  to the Learn to Earn Dayton team as our new Managing Director ! Kelly brings a wealth of experience to this work and will lead the internal management and operational excellence of the organization in support of our mission, working in deep partnership with the CEO. Kelly most recently held the position of Director of Client & Community Relations at the Montgomery County ESC. Her extensive career includes serving as the Director of Strategic Initiatives for Montgomery County, Ohio, where she planned and supported the implementation of long-range goals with a focus on strengthening collaboration and advancing results-based stewardship of resources. This transition marks a true homecoming, as Kelly previously served as the Director of Workforce and Community Development for Learn to Earn Dayton and MCESC, where she led the creation and implementation of the Montgomery County ESC Business Advisory Council. Her professional background also includes leadership roles as the District Director for Congressman Mike Turner (OH-10) and Director of Government Programs at the Dayton Development Coalition. Kelly is a University of Dayton graduate, earning both a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration. She completed the Emerging Leaders Program at the Center for Leadership and Executive Development at UD, is a member of the Leadership Dayton class of 2015, and is a recent 2025 Empower Cohort graduate. She has been named one of the Dayton Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 and a Women in Business Networking 25 Women to Watch. Kelly is deeply involved in the community, currently serving on the Board of Trustees for the Dayton Metro Library and Miami Valley Child Development Centers, the local Head Start provider. She is a sustaining member and past-president of the Junior League of Dayton and has been instrumental in the Dayton Sister City Committee, where she currently co-chairs the Rushmoor, England Committee. Please join us in extending a warm welcome back to Kelly!

Dayton, OH — The first of 30 new homes arrived in Northwest Dayton in November and early December, marking a major milestone in a five-year, community-led effort to expand access to affordable, high-quality housing for residents. More homes will continue to arrive over time as the project moves forward. First home available in Northwest Dayton for Pathways to Homeownership program The development represents a collective effort from Omega Community Development Corporation (Omega CDC), County Corp, Wright-Patt Credit Union, the WCPU Sunshine Community Fund, The HomeOwnership Center, Learn to Earn Dayton, Montgomery County Land Bank, the City of Dayton, and CityWide Development Corporation.  Together, these organizations are actively working to raise $9 million to expand education and access to safe, stable homeownership for first-time buyers earning up to 120 percent of the area median income. Dayton Daily News covered this story - read the article . “Families want stable housing and opportunities to build generational wealth,” said Tanisha Martin-Burns, Omega CDC housing program manager. “This initiative helps families move from renters to homeowners, creating a stronger foundation and greater stability.” Recent data from Omega CDC show that 71 percent of Northwest Dayton residents are renters and 43 percent spend more than a third of their income on housing. Partners hope this project will help reverse long-standing patterns of economic disinvestment, declining property values, and unsafe housing conditions. “This is progress you can see,” said Vanessa Ward, president of Omega CDC. “Through workgroups and surveys, families consistently asked for opportunities to put down roots, and now homes are coming to Northwest Dayton neighborhoods with the support of partners who see the value of investment. This is the future our residents called for. The demand is being answered with action.” The Montgomery County Land Bank is also developing 20 additional affordable homes within Northwest Dayton through June 2026, supported by Welcome Home Ohio grant funds. Ribbon cutting for Pathways to Homeownership, December 2025 Eligible families participating in the initiative will receive tailored support designed to prepare them for long-term success as homeowners. This includes down payment assistance, one-on-one mortgage-readiness coaching, an eight-hour homebuyer education course, 1–2 hours of individualized counseling, and a post-purchase home maintenance workshop. These resources aim to equip families with the knowledge and confidence to sustain homeownership for years to come. -News release provided by Omega CDC.

The following is an excerpt from the Dayton Business Journal's State of the Schools special section - Montgomery County Educational Service Center (MCESC) and Learn to Earn Dayton are pleased to share this update on how our community is focused on the future in service to and in support of today’s students. Every day, more than 74,000 K-12 students and 4,500 educators and support staff walk through the doors of public schools in Montgomery County. These educators are committed to supporting all students, from the youngest scholars in preschool to those graduating from high school, to ensure they have a vision for their future and the necessary opportunities to progress toward a fulfilling, living wage career right here in our community. This critical work cannot be done alone. Our ability to succeed depends on our willingness to collaborate for collective impact. Throughout this special edition, you will see how our region is dedicated to the full spectrum of education. We highlight our focus on early childhood success, innovative K-12 tools, and the development of industry-aligned career pathways for high school students. MCESC and Learn to Earn Dayton, in partnership with schools, businesses, and policymakers, are creating pathways that blend education with hands-on experiences. This includes the expansion of the career navigator program, which helps students integrate traditional classroom experiences with career exploration, industry-aligned pathways, and work-based learning. Through these collaborations, students at every grade level can see the relevance of their education and develop a “Future Self Vision.” We must bring together every sector of our community in support of their educational journeys. Ultimately, our partnerships and shared ownership of outcomes are what make the difference  —for our children, our schools, our communities, and our local economy. Shannon M. Cox,  Superintendent, Montgomery County Educational Service Center Stacy Schweikhart,  CEO, Learn to Earn Dayton

The holidays got a little brighter this week at Jefferson Township’s Blairwood Elementary as the University of Dayton Men’s Basketball team traded the court for the classroom. As part of the EVERY DAY in School Matters campaign, these student-athletes joined Learn to Earn Dayton to prove that while basketball is the game, community is the heart. During the visit, the players spent quality time with K-3 students, sharing favorite stories and distributing gifts. Beyond the presents, the athletes shared a "game plan" for success, offering heartfelt advice on the importance of daily school attendance, the power of reading, and the value of listening to teachers. The students are always very excited to interact with the UD players, and we appreciate the partnership with Dayton6th to make these visits happen.

Learn to Earn Dayton Manager of Data Science and Analytics Philip Ferrari, together with a cohort from Toledo Tomorrow, Summit Education Initiative, StriveTogether, and Morehouse School of Medicine recently completed and presented a six-month training with Coleridge Initiative utilizing a State Longitudinal Data System that allowed the cohort to analyze records of (deidentified) individuals' educational employment records 10 years after graduating high school. The Coleridge Initiative taught and provided the opportunity to conduct action-oriented research within a protected and secure environment. It brought together data analysts and data scientists across the state of Ohio that work in the cradle-to-career continuum to collaborate and work together on a common goal. This study of longitudinal data allowed for powerful analysis, and this project is an example of what could be possible in Ohio with an investment in a similar student level longitudinal data system.

We are thrilled to welcome Loren Littlejohn to the Learn to Earn Dayton team as Strategic Initiatives Program Coordinator! Loren brings extensive experience in program governance and strategic partnerships and will provide administrative, program planning and implementation support for Learn to Earn Dayton’s strategic initiatives. She most recently served as a Social Program Developer at the Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services, ensuring county-funded contracts aligned with local, state, and federal guidelines. As a former Senior Impact Manager and AmeriCorps alum with City Year Columbus, she managed school partnerships and led teams delivering targeted academic and social-emotional support to students in grades 3-8, earning the Priscilla Tyson Leadership Award for high-impact community engagement. She holds a Master of Science in Nonprofit Administration from Louisiana State University. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Loren!

Learn to Earn Dayton (L2ED) has been actively engaged in national learning initiatives, working to bring the most innovative approaches and strengthened partnerships back to the Dayton Region. We were thrilled to join our colleagues from education and industry as part of the Dayton Region team at the Jobs for the Future (JFF) Pathways to Prosperity Institute . During this intensive collaboration, we explored cutting-edge strategies for career-connected learning , focusing intensely on how to enhance our regional partnerships to better help students envision and achieve their pathway to their future selves. The commitment to systems change continued when L2ED and Montgomery County Educational Service Center (MCESC) colleagues gathered in Austin for the StriveTogether High School/Post Secondary Convening . At this vital meeting, we worked across various state teams to collectively identify and strategize on how to remove persistent, system-level barriers that currently impede smooth transitions within the high school and post-secondary space, underscoring our dedication to equitable student success across the community.

Learn to Earn Dayton is currently hiring for a Managing Director, a high-level, strategic leader who is second in command for the organization, working in deep partnership with the CEO. The role is responsible for the internal management and operational excellence of the organization in support of the mission. The Managing Director ensures high-quality execution and strong partner alignment while translating the vision and strategic plan into actionable goals that, when achieved, lead to improved outcomes for all students and families. Submit cover letter and resume to jobs@learntoearndayton.org with “Managing Director” in the subject line. Position open until filled with first resume review on Monday, November 24, 2025.

We are thrilled to collaborate once again with The Dayton Foundation’s Del Mar Encore Fellow initiative. This year, we warmly welcome Kathy Rowell, Ph. D., who joins the team, housed in the Fitz Center for Leadership in Community, to support the critical work of the Montgomery County Two-Generation Collaborative (2Gen). Dr. Rowell brings deep expertise in the areas central to the 2Gen mission. She recently retired as a dedicated Professor of Sociology at Sinclair Community College, where she twice directed the Honors Program and was the founding director of the Center for Teaching and Learning. For decades, Dr. Rowell’s research has centered on poverty and housing, with a particular focus on eviction and its devastating impact on children; work that is highly relevant to the 2Gen approach. Her commitment to public sociology was recognized in 2021 with an American Council of Learned Societies Community College Fellowship, which led to projects including the documentary Evicting the American Dream, where she served as co-producer and researcher. Dr. Rowell is eager to support the work of the Two-Generation Collaborative, remaining committed to advancing community-based approaches to housing justice and poverty reduction. Written by Adele France, communications intern for Fitz Center for Leadership in Community.

More than 90 community partners and residents logged on to the Children & Youth Fiscal Map Webinar this week to learn more about the dashboard and how to navigate this new statewide tool. For the past year, Learn to Earn Dayton has partnered with Children’s Funding Project to develop a fiscal map for the state. The fiscal map documents and analyzes the various sources of funding that support programs and services for children and youth in Ohio. The map includes public dollars from federal and state sources and will aid state policymakers, regional partnerships, and advocates alike as it provides the first comprehensive view of existing funding streams. “The new Ohio fiscal map we’ve developed in partnership with Children’s Funding Project  represents a commitment to both fiscal responsibility and data-driven decision-making,” said Learn to Earn Dayton CEO Stacy Schweikhart. “It provides unprecedented clarity and access to details on funding streams for children and youth, enabling us to move beyond simply dedicating funds and instead focus on getting the greatest return on investment. This tool is about making sure that every dollar is invested strategically and efficiently to deliver the positive outcomes our students and families deserve.” A recording of the webinar is available here .