“Early childhood is the bedrock of human capital. The essential skills that we’ll use later in life are dependent upon a strong groundwork being laid early." - Dr. Katharine Stevens
This week, Groundwork Ohio hosted Breakfast Briefings for Business Leaders in Dayton and Cincinnati. These briefings were centered around the important work of Dr. Katharine Stevens, a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute who has earned a Ph.D. in education policy from Columbia University, a M.Ed. from Teachers College, an MBA from Columbia Business School, and a B.A. in US history from the University of Chicago. Dr. Stevens' most recent publication, "Workforce of Today, Workforce of Tomorrow," outlines the business case for quality early childcare and education. Business leaders from Cincinnati and Dayton came together this week to talk about the importance of recognizing quality early childhood education as an investment in Ohio's future workforce. As Dr. Stevens aptly pointed out, the workforce of today needs childcare and the workforce of tomorrow is in childcare--and our business community can take the first step in making quality early childhood education a priority in Ohio. Groundwork wants to extend a big thank you to our partners in Cincinnati (United Way of Greater Cincinnati (Success By 6), Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, Clermont Chamber of Commerce, Cincinnati Regional Business Committee, Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, and Cincinnati Business Committee) and Dayton (Learn to Earn Dayton, Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, and Dayton Preschool Promise) for helping make these events a success! Follow Groundwork's continued mobilization of Ohio's business community in the coming months by keeping up with our newsletter and following us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Ohio’s goal is that by 2025, 65% of all working-age adults will have a degree or credential. Currently, just 44% of Ohioans have a 2- or 4-year degree or a work-related certificate. Join us for a day focused on raising educational attainment to ensure Ohio can compete. Speakers will include Ohio Senate President Larry Obhof, State Senator Peggy Lehner, Chair of the Ohio Senate Education Committee, Jim Tressel, President, Youngstown State University, and Eric Hanushek, Stanford University economist. After the event, Sen. Lehner will chair a Senate Education Committee hearing on "Connecting the Dots from Cradle-to-Career" where Groundwork Executive Director Shannon Jones will testify along with other business and community leaders. Click here for more details. Click here to join the waiting list for the event.
The Social Determinants of Infant Mortality
This week, Groundwork Ohio Executive Director Shannon Jones spoke about the social determinants of infant mortality at the Ohio Conference of Community Development. Ohio's rates of infant mortality are significantly higher than the national average, despite increased awareness surrounding the issue over the past several years. Shannon highlighted the work Ohio has done to try to reduce infant mortality and how social determinants, like housing, play a key role. Click the link below to learn more in HPIO’s report on infant mortality and social determinants. A new approach to reduce infant mortality and achieve equity: Policy recommendations to improve housing, transportation, education and employment