By Okon Ekpenyong

Columbus is rapidly becoming a hub for innovation and job growth. In May of this year, the Biden-Harris administration named Columbus as one of five Workforce Hub cities based on investments made in semiconductor manufacturing, clean energy, biotechnology, high-performance computing, and transportation.

These investments will help create jobs and help the city become an economic powerhouse. So, on July 12, 2023 the United States Mayors Conference Vice President, Andrew J Ginther, welcomed the First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden, back to Columbus, both educators in their own right, to launch her investing in America initiative tour, which benefits a city like Columbus.

The tour, which is part of a larger initiative to promote economic growth and opportunity in cities across the nation, is a reminder of the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce to the success of any organization. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of the role of the government in providing resources and creating an environment that encourages job growth and innovation. And among the cities included in the tour are Phoenix, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and Augusta.

Young professionals like Marshall Troxell of Columbus, and many others, wants Columbus and its surrounding neighborhood to be a place where they have access to jobs and affordable housing that encourages them to remain here rather than leave.

And that’s why an Intel representative, David Harrison, the Columbus Urban League’s Stephanie A Hightower, Congresswoman Joyce, and other officials participated in the panel discussion and welcomed the community college lecturer and the First Lady as she highlights President Biden’s commitment to creating high-quality, well-paying jobs for all Americans.

“As a community college professor, I’m excited to see how local schools, employers, unions, and communities are working together to change lives in Columbus. These Workforce Hubs are invaluable models for others to follow, showing what’s possible when we all come together to invest in education and training”, said the First Lady.

Ginther’s passion for education and helping others began at an early age. After graduating from college, he traveled to Northern Ireland to teach public schools in Belfast and Ferry. He also interned at the Carter Center in Atlanta, where he taught non-violence and dispute resolution. Years later, he served on the Columbus School Board of Education.

Columbus Promise, a program designed to inspire prospective students about college by hosting them at Columbus State Community College, is another initiative under the administration of the Mayor. “That is why Dr. Biden’s visit was so critical and continues to be so crucial. He highlighted the city’s commitment to training future microchip manufacturers and other technical professionals”, said Mayor Ginther.

In the program’s first year, more than 700 hundred students attended the community college for free.
The president of CSCC, David Harrison, one of the panelists, announced that CSCC is partnering with Intel to launch a one-year certificate program focusing on plumbing, pipe fitting, sheet metal, electrical, and other technical areas.

A 20 billion dollar project by Intel to construct a “mega-site” of semiconductor fabrication plants in Licking County was announced in 2022, making it one of the most significant investments in the state’s history. A representative from Intel, Kevin Hoggatt, noted that the CCSC program had enabled the students to understand the importance of engineering and the potential for a career in the field. He said that Intel was looking for well-trained and qualified individuals to fill positions in the tech sector and that the CCSC is an excellent source of potential applicants.

70% of Intel’s Licking County Plant staff will be technicians, and most jobs require two years of college training.

“We’re not looking at this as the two fabs that are going into Licking County right now,” he explained. “There’s going to be eight fabs over the next decade or more, and the ecosystem of suppliers is going to be transformational for every community in the state,” said David Harrison.

The school is also partnering with OhioHealth, one of the largest health systems in Central Ohio, to double the number of students it trains in the field of nursing and other medical programs.

“My colleagues and I were honored to host Dr. Jill Biden in Council Chambers to talk about the Workforce Hub and our efforts to ensure a skilled workforce with access to good-paying jobs. It was a historic day in City Hall”, said Council President Shannon Hardin.

The visit also reflects the collaborative efforts among college and vocational schools, labor unions, local governments, and corporate leaders to invest in and train workers to fill our region’s high-skilled jobs”, said Marshall Troxell of Columbus.

Troxell’s efforts to highlight a vibrant and attractive community gathering have received praise from local business leaders, politicians, and other community members. His creative and innovative approach to promoting events has provided a unique and positive experience for those participating. Troxell’s commitment to the area has been an invaluable asset in making Central Ohio a desirable place to live and visit.

Troxell believes providing the right resources and tools to the community’s youth is critical to their success. He and other young professionals in the area are committed to helping the community’s youth reach their full potential and create a better future for themselves and the city.

Furthermore, Troxell credited Congresswoman Joyce Beatty and Columbus City Council President Shannon G Hardin for making Columbus a model for economic prosperity that can be emulated across the country.

Support the New Americans magazine to continue to serve our community with precise news that affect the new American, immigrant and refugee community. https://paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=8LHFS78NRNJJY&source=url