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Learn to Earn Dayton, in collaboration with an advisory council of expert community partners, has announced the inaugural class of the Civic Leadership Program, a transformative training academy designed to empower residents with the knowledge and leadership skills necessary to advocate for students and families. Modeled after Cincinnati’s successful School Board School, the Civic Leadership Program is the 4th location in the nation to launch this initiative that aims to cultivate a robust cohort of engaged leaders, better informed and prepared to run for local elected office or serve on advisory committees. This year's cohort was selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants, representing a diverse range of professional backgrounds and life experiences within the City of Dayton. Keisha Anderson Laura Estandia Tesfalem Mehari Angela Bailey Amy Hubbard Sharde Patterson Porothea Dennis Justine Kelly Darshawn Philip Romine Brenda I. Dewberry Allison Knight Shirley Williams Andrew Diamond Jr Kelly Marie Lehman Roe Woods "We believe that informed and engaged citizens are the cornerstone of a thriving community," said Stacy Schweikhart, CEO of Learn to Earn Dayton. "The Civic Leadership Program will provide residents with the tools and insights they need to become more effective advocates and leaders, ultimately strengthening our community through civic engagement." This intensive program provides participants with comprehensive training in civic engagement, coalition-building, and the strategies required to create systemic impact within schools and local government. The program features expert speakers, interactive workshops, engaging field trips, and hands-on learning experiences, fostering a collaborative environment for participants to develop their leadership and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with elected leadership. The inaugural cohort of the Civic Leadership Program was launched in August 2025 and will conclude in April 2026.

The community is invited to attend the Student Vision for Dayton Community Kick-Off, Monday, September 16, at 4:00 pm. The Kick-Off will be held at the downtown Dayton Metro Library branch at 215 E. Third Street. Refreshments will be provided. As announced last September at the Mayor's Youth Summit, the City of Dayton in partnership with Learn to Earn Dayton is embarking on the city’s first-ever Student Vision for the Future of Dayton. The Student Vision will serve as a roadmap for creating an ongoing platform for young people to have a prominent role in shaping priorities that affect them. During this event, community members, students, families, youth serving organizations will learn more about the Student Vision for Dayton and opportunities to get involved, hear directly from participating students, discuss the core priority areas of focus, and meet partners involved. Guests will enjoy welcome remarks from Mayor Mims and L2ED CEO Stacy Schweikhart, followed by an overview of the initiative, student testimonials, a mini data walk and insights into the results of the student survey , facilitated discussion, and opportunities for future involvement. Adults -- teachers, caregivers, or interested community members -- are encouraged to attend the Community Kick-Off to learn more about the work and play a role in encouraging future teen engagement. After the Community Kick-Off, L2ED will host a series of listening sessions specific to teens from across the city. These information and engagement sessions serve as the foundation for a three year partnership between the City of Dayton and Learn to Earn Dayton to better engage area teens and empower them to lift their voice in creating a Student Vision for Dayton. https://www.learntoearndayton.org/studentvision Learn more: Dayton Daily News .

Get ready to be inspired! Learn to Earn Dayton Communications Intern, Caitlyn Russell , is sharing exclusive stories from the recipients of our Community Investment Fund . Discover the innovative ways these investments are shaping a brighter future for Dayton. In 2021, the Equity Center was a small but passionate organization operating on a $40,000 budget. In just a few years, and many community partnerships later, it has grown into a key force within Dayton, expanding its reach and growing tenfold. They work to revive communities through education & workforce development. The Equity Center believes in the power of economic & social mobility to transform lives and build a brighter future for everyone. The support from the Community Investment Fund allowed the center to restructure its staff, reorganize operations, and build systems that supported scale and sustainability. Several investments in staffing were made, and they now have a full team at 11 employees and six temporary employees. “We found the right people to scale the organization to meet demand and meet the promises we’ve made to donors without putting undue stress on our volunteers and staff.” said Ashton Dupler, who became the executive director in 2025. There are many programs within the Equity Center that help support the Dayton community. They focus on four pillars of equity: workforce development, education, food and neighborhood security. The organization has maintained and expanded on those pillars. On the workforce development side, they offer a forklift training program, four additional industry-recognized credentials, and a cybersecurity training program that launched in 2023. The Equity Center partners with Digital Transformation Center and NPower to support workers with technology careers; they also offer two different programs for logistics and manufacturing with partners such as Dayton Regional Manufacturers Association and Procter & Gamble “We've been able to meet our goals in wanting to help people get jobs faster, ” Dupler said. “Sixty-one percent of our folks get a job in the first 30 days, and 94% of participants who start with us, finish with us.” Many of the participants who come through the workforce development program are also involved with the other initiatives at the center. In collaboration with Ebenezer Healthcare Access, the Equity Center designed a monthly food distribution of culturally appropriate food for families in need in the Dayton region as well as opening a store called Jan’s Closet in partnership with McKinley UMC, offering clothing and personal care. “We've been able to help roughly over 600 people last year with food, clothing and a job, just in the resettlement area,” Dupler said. In the summer, the Equity Center runs a STEM-based summer camp, “No Dream Too Big” that reaches over 60 students weekly. The students are encouraged to use their imagination, Ashton explained, “How do we help children who don’t grow up seeing these opportunities imagine something bigger?” Looking ahead, the Equity Center continues to ask: how can we do this better? With plans to expand its Equal Opportunity Hubs, the vision includes pop-up workforce labs, equity fellowships, and internships designed to grow local leadership. This expansion is rooted in one core belief: not in building a sustainable program, but a sustainable approach to economic mobility. The Equity Center received funding from the Community Investment Fund (CIF) . Launched in 2021 by Learn to Earn Dayton with funding from Blue Meridian Partners, CIF gives support to local organizations to help grow education, well-being, and economic mobility in Northwest Dayton. Two additional rounds of funding have been supported through local philanthropic organizations. The Equity Center received funding during the last two rounds of investments.

Get ready to be inspired! Learn to Earn Dayton Communications Intern, Caitlyn Russell, is sharing exclusive stories from the recipients of our Community Investment Fund. Discover the innovative ways these investments are shaping a brighter future for Dayton. Starting in 2015, Kim Jarvis had a mission. What began as a modest outreach program for young girls, quickly grew into something bigger, On Purpose Academy and Mentoring Center (OPAMC) is a co-ed preschool focused on delivering education services for early childhood and school-aged children. OPAMC is more than a classroom, it is a catalyst for growth. Their mission is to elevate and inspire preschoolers and youth to be focused, purposeful, and resilient. They achieve this through a robust, research-based curriculum delivered in a fun and engaging environment that actively promotes the exploration of new ideas. Their staff now serves 75 preschoolers annually and graduates nearly half of them each year. One source of organizational funding has come from Learn to Earn Dayton’s Community Investment Fund (CIF), supported by Blue Meridian Partners and local philanthropic organizations. CIF's mission to enhance education, well-being, and economic mobility in Northwest Dayton aligns with OPAMC's goals. CIF has supported OPAMC through two rounds of investment. While OPAMC embraces all children, they have additional focus on supporting neurodivergent students. The second round of CIF funding was instrumental in expanding their child development specialist program. As Jarvis explains, "Initial funding led us to do this open class exploration, but it wasn't the perfect model. So with the second round, we learned that let's do the training in-house and then deploy." Instead of trying to serve every child within their walls, On Purpose Academy and Mentoring Center is now training its staff to reach children in various centers. Their "pulling" technique focuses on providing real-time emotional support. When a child is experiencing an emotionally stressful moment, staff members gently pull them aside to talk through their feelings and equip them with tools to self-regulate and calm down. The work of OPAMC is impactful. Jarvis shares a powerful story about Student A, a young boy who arrived at their facility struggling with extreme emotional regulation. "On a scale of 1 to 10, he was a 10," Jarvis recalls. "He would escalate quickly, and we were meeting with him weekly." Through consistent support and one-on-one attention, Student A learned to manage his emotions. "Now, I’d say he’s at a 4. Not perfect, but he's using his tools. He recognizes that time with the child development specialist is a safe space to express himself." Student A is now confidently heading to kindergarten, a testament to OPAMC's transformative approach. OPAMC is not just addressing current needs; they are also pioneering innovative solutions to today’s childcare crisis. Their newest initiative, "Pop-Up Preschool", is a mobile early learning program that partners directly with companies and underserved communities to provide high-quality, on-site childcare. "We want to be a solution," Jarvis states. "Not just for families needing high quality childcare, but also for those interested in providing childcare but don’t have the resources. We can help train and equip them with less financial burden." This proactive approach is a game-changer for families and communities struggling with childcare access. Looking ahead, OPAMC is embarking on a new chapter with the construction of The Early Learning and Wellness Center on Main - what they will affectionately call The Well. This integrated facility will serve as a forward-facing agency, continuing their Early Childcare work while offering Mental and Behavioral Health services and support services for the entire family. The Well will provide access to more resources, providers, and child development specialists, creating a hub for family well-being. "We just want to keep doing what we're doing, but on a larger scale to be more effective to impact more kids," according to Jarvis. This year, On Purpose Academy and Mentoring Center was honored with the Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics Integrity Award. Their journey is a powerful example of how dedication, innovation, and community partnerships can profoundly change lives. Their commitment to nurturing children, empowering families, and building a stronger community truly sets them apart.

Get ready to be inspired! Learn to Earn Dayton Communications Intern, Caitlyn Russell, is sharing exclusive stories from the recipients of our Community Investment Fund. Discover the innovative ways these investments are shaping a brighter future for Dayton. Abundant Life Christ Centered Ministries (CCM) is dedicated to making childhoods memorable for children in Dayton through academic or recreational experiences. With over 20 years of service, Abundant Life CCM has been focused on community outreach specifically in the last three years. Over the last two years, Abundant Life CCM has been supported by Learn to Earn Dayton’s Community Investment Fund (CIF), supported by Blue Meridian Partners and local philanthropic organizations, which aligns with the ministry’s mission to improve education and well being in Northwest Dayton. The initial round of investment went to the construction of a new playground built on the church’s property, providing a safe play for the children to play after school and during summers, along with a pilot after school program at Belle Haven and summer program held at Abundant Life CCM in 2024. Hernika Campbell, Abundant Life CCM Program Administrator talked about the importance of this resource, “We're glad to be able to have that space here, for the community to come in and the children to play after school, during the summers.” The ministry recently wrapped up its third annual six-week STEAM-based summer camp for kindergarten through sixth-grade students. This free program offers breakfast, lunch, engaging activities, and educational field trips. Certified teachers, volunteers, and guest speakers provide a safe learning environment. Highlights included visits from The YMCA of Greater Dayton's ‘Y on the Fly’ program, weekly yoga sessions, and field trips to locations like the National Museum of the US Air Force and Learning Tree Farm. This year the team served 31 campers. Campbell discussed that the camp allows students to “keep learning, have fun, and just be kids in a safe, loving environment.” Abundant Life is also deeply invested in academic success during the school year through its partnership with Belle Haven Elementary School and Dayton Public Schools. Their after-school tutoring program, held twice a week, offers one-on-one and group support in reading and math. “Our number one goal is to support academic growth,” Campbell explains. “The after-school tutoring program has become a safe place where students are getting the support they need to grow.” Teachers at Belle Haven report that the added small-group time is providing students with the extra support needed to make meaningful progress. Additionally, students participating in the afterschool program have increased their overall school attendance by 35%. This focused approach is helping students meet early academic milestones while also nurturing a love for learning. Beyond their youth programs, Abundant Life CCM is deeply committed to uplifting the entire Dayton community by extending their outreach to individuals and families facing food insecurity. The ministry has prepared and delivered over 300 fresh meals to individuals in recovery and provides groceries to under-resourced families. By eliminating transportation barriers, these efforts ensure that households have essential food items and support. Looking ahead, Abundant Life CCM is focused on expanding its reach to serve more children and families. While grant funding and donations are crucial for sustaining their programs, especially the after-school tutoring, the team hopes to expand to more grade levels and potentially partnering with more schools. As Campbell stated, their goal is to “to keep doing what we’re doing, reach more families, support more children, and give them the tools to succeed.”

Get ready to be inspired! Learn to Earn Dayton Communications Intern, Caitlyn Russell, is sharing exclusive stories from the recipients of our Community Investment Fund. Discover the innovative ways these investments are shaping a brighter future for Dayton. In Northwest Dayton, Spectrum New Beginnings (SNB) is cultivating holistic wellness and self-care for Black individuals and families in a community long impacted by health disparities. With a focus on culturally competent, evidence-based programs, SNB is dedicated to supporting the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of men, women, and youth. From social-emotional learning initiatives to healing circles, the organization is responding to the region’s challenges with compassion, innovation, and care that reflects the lived experiences of the people it serves. What excites the team at SNB is seeing people come alive again: seen, valued, and restored within themselves. Their programs are more than services—they are transformative spaces of care. “Whether its youth in the juvenile court system learning to breathe through trauma, frontline workers receiving healing touch after carrying the weight of their communities, or women gathering in sacred sisterhood to reclaim their wellness—every offering is a doorway to deeper connection, healing, and hope,” said Taylor Johnson, Executive Director at Spectrum New Beginnings. These moments are helping individuals feel affirmed in ways they may never have before, creating ripple effects that strengthen families and neighborhoods. Support from Learn to Earn Dayton’s Community Investment Fund (CIF) has been a turning point in SNB’s journey. The CIF, supported by Blue Meridian Partners and local philanthropic organizations, provided an initial financial investment that helped SNB launch programming in Northwest Dayton, allowing the organization to meet urgent wellness needs in historically under-resourced neighborhoods. The impact has extended beyond funding - SNB’s involvement in the CIF peer learning cohort created space for reflection, strategy, and connection with other mission-driven leaders. As SNB looks to the future, it is focused on growing its youth wellness programming, especially in partnership with juvenile courts and local schools. From restorative circles to creative expression labs and mentorship opportunities, these trauma-informed programs are supporting leadership, healing, and resilience in young people. With a vision to serve over 750 Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), and LGBTQ+ youth annually, SNB is also working to onboard a licensed mental health counselor who reflects the identities and experiences of the youth they serve. This addition will deepen the organization’s capacity to provide consistent, culturally aligned care—moving closer to a community-centered model of wellness where healing is accessible, affirming, and lasting.

The 2025-2026 Cohort Sessions have been scheduled for the following dates . Due to the mandatory attendance policy (only 3 absences are permissible), we require all interested candidates to confirm their availability and hold time on their calendar for the following dates/times. As part of the application, candidates must affirm that they have reviewed these dates, discussed how the schedule may affect work or family obligations, and are prepared to attend all sessions. Click the file for the full schedule as a pdf. (Updated 7/29/25)

Earlier this month, Learn to Earn Dayton sponsored a training for leaders from our Montgomery County Two-Generation Collaborative at the Harlem Children's Zone   Practitioners Institute. Together we learned about the long-standing and incredibly successful strategies in Harlem, and imagined how we might improve outcomes for our students and families if we unite to implement and scale their evidenced-based approaches in our region. Collaborative members pictured: Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley , University of Dayton   Fitz Center for Leadership in Community , Preschool Promise , Omega Community Development Corporation-CDC , Dayton Children's Hospital , Miami Valley Child Development Centers, Inc. , Montgomery County, Ohio , Dayton Equity Center , WestCare  (East End Community Services)

Data Science & Analysis Manager Phillip Ferrari was recently featured by Children's Funding Project for his work as a children's funding coordinator with the organization. Children’s funding coordinators work with leaders and advocates in communities to help improve the lives of children and youth through strategic public financing. Read his inspiring interview in a new profile series supported by StriveTogether.

The Civic Leadership Program is a volunteer-led movement to empower area residents to have a more active leadership role on the boards, committees, and organizing bodies that impact student success. It doesn't move without the engaged and driven volunteers who have brought the program to Dayton. To make the CLP a success, the Advisory Council provides their time and expertise in shaping curriculum, recruiting speakers, and ensuring meaningful and impactful experiences for all participants. As part of the founding Advisory Council, these dedicated members have committed to serve a two-year term, helping to launch the program, support the first class, and refine for year two success. Their expertise and insights make a lasting difference for Dayton's students and families, and we thank them for their support in making the Civic Leadership Program possible! Current members include: Myla Cardona-Jones, Brunner Literacy Center Christine Corba, League of Women Voters Barbara Doseck, City of Dayton Law Department James "Greg" Fowler, Educator (retired) Nikol Miller, Miami Valley Urban League Nancy Nerny, Founder, Dayton Public Schools Foundation; Former member, Dayton Board of Education Terra Fox Williams, Parity, Inc. Special thanks to Mattie White, who is serving as lead facilitator for the cohort. Dr. Beverly Williams Odon, Del Mar Encore Fellow through The Dayton Foundation, has worked closely with Learn to Earn Dayton to launch the Civic Leadership Program for the Dayton community. Learn more about her commitment to educational outcomes here . The Civic Leadership Program is administered and coordinated by Learn to Earn Dayton.

The Montgomery County Educational Service Center (MCESC) recently held a Career Navigation Day. Educators and counselors from 14 districts across three counties came together to learn about how career navigation can support their students. The event showcased how schools are helping to not only graduate students, but to prepare young people for life beyond the classroom. Participants discuss how to improve career pathways in their schools “66% of young people (ages 16–24) don’t know what career they want to pursue,” stated Leah Eggers, Director at Jobs for the Future (JFF). Eggers highlighted the years of collaboration between the MCESC and the JFF to reach the current plan and shared a national overview about how career pathways are important. Eggers emphasized the importance of finding pathways to accommodate most of the student populations. Schools can start as early as middle school and could give high school students college credit. Through JFF’s Pathways to Prosperity initiative, the goal is to re-imagine these systems to get to their goal of helping 75 million Americans, especially students facing barriers, access quality jobs by 2033. “Pathways help them connect content to real-world careers.” said Erin Dooley, Chief of College and Career Readiness at Dayton Public Schools. She explained how they are looking forward to expanding their pathways, “Hands-on, career-connected learning experiences are already embedded into existing schools. It’s powerful when students understand the why behind what they’re learning." Bunny Brooks, a teacher on Special Assignment for Workforce at Lebanon High School, added that these pathways are answering a need many students feel. “After high school isn't about going to college, it's about proper training about what you want to do and how to live your life. It’s about finding what is best for you.” Brooks talked about earning credentials, exploring careers, and gaining real skills makes learning feel valuable for students. For many, their path is not college, but trade school or military. Leah Eggers discussing how students are thinking about their future. A regional team of career navigators has been piloting this work through Learn to Earn Dayton’s PACCE program presenting their best practices in creating opportunities for meaningful career exploration. One of the MCESC career navigators, Katie Grothaus, explained the tool YouScience and how to utilize the data to link students’ knowledge interests and aptitudes to real-world career opportunities. According to their website, YouScience is “the only college and career readiness (CCR) platform designed to meet compliance standards while delivering real impact for students.” Nicole Will discussed her role as a Workforce Development Navigator at the Kettering City School District. She spoke about how Kettering students benefit from monthly job shadowing opportunities, industry tours, and career-themed events. Their efforts are reshaping how students envision their futures. Roshanda Jones shares the Employer Engagement Menu and how to utilize the practice in schools. Shannon Cox, MCESC Superintendent, shared the history of the work and the importance of using the coursework pathway and Bryan Stewart, Director of Workforce, focused on a regional system where career readiness is supported by strong partnerships. Stewart introduced an Employer Engagement Menu, connecting schools with local businesses, city leaders, the military, alumni, and higher education institutions to give students real exposure to the working world. Ronesha Jones, Senior Manager at JFF, talked more about the Employer Engagement Menu and provided a framework for building these pathways across districts. Her guide shows how schools can align coursework, advising, and postsecondary planning to help students move seamlessly from education into meaningful careers. Career Navigation Day was all about taking action. The Montgomery County community shared that not all students need a one-size-fits-all path. Students need information, opportunity, and support to build a future that’s right for them. - Reflections from Caitlyn Russell, Communications Intern

Last week, Learn to Earn Dayton joined our colleagues from Omega Community Development Corporation-CDC   and other place-based, cradle-to-career partnerships across the country for the Transforming Place Through Neighborhood Leadership Summer Institute hosted by Harlem Children's Zone 's William Julius Wilson Institute and EdRedesign   Lab. We learned about strategies that are leading to improved student outcomes. We heard from leaders about the persistence and determination necessary to forge and sustain the relationships necessary for impact. We were inspired by national leaders, and encouraged to continue building momentum for connected systems that better serve our students and families. #PowerofPlace