Recommendations / Workforce / Big Idea #1: Columbus Made

Big Idea #1: Columbus Made

Part of the "FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH" initiative

WorkforceColumbus-MuscogeeUnder $250,000

Overview

Create COLUMBUS MADE, a 12-week leadership development and community education program for promising young professionals in Columbus ages 22-35. The program would bring together a cohort of 30 individuals under age 35 each year to learn leadership skills, gain knowledge of Columbus, connect with like-minded individuals, engage with community partners, and build a pipeline into formal leadership roles, public service, and long-term community involvement.

Action plan

Short-term
Gain City and key community partner support within one year of introduction. Hire a Program Director, develop leadership modules and an education summit, finalize the program outline, tuition, and structure by Fall 2024, receive applications, select the first cohort, and begin the first cohort in 2025 if action steps follow the proposed timeline.
Medium-term
Market COLUMBUS MADE to young professionals and organizations across the city. Graduate the first cohort and analyze the program for areas of improvement by Fall 2025. Make adjustments to the program and begin selection for the second class. Build sponsorships and community support to cover tuition for participants who cannot afford the program.
Long-term
Create opportunities for young professionals to move into formal leadership positions across government and public organizations. Build positive outcomes from the program, encourage City officials to listen to younger generations, evolve into an alumni-run program, and continue feeding prepared young leaders into established organizations, public service, and future leadership roles.

Expected impact

Projected Civic Engagement GrowthCommunity

Tracks young professionals becoming more involved in community events, volunteer opportunities, and public life.

Timeframe: Long-term
Projected FundingEconomic

Tracks participant tuition income.

Timeframe: Short-term
Projected Partner OrganizationsInstitutional

Tracks community partners supporting modules, resources, sponsorships, and implementation.

Timeframe: Short-term
Projected Students ServedEducational

Tracks participants receiving leadership and community education through the 12-week program.

Timeframe: Medium-term
Projected Business PartnershipsEconomic

Tracks sponsorship support from title, supporting, weekly session, corporate, and private sponsors.

Timeframe: Medium-term
Projected Mentorship ParticipantsEducational

Tracks participants receiving leadership development, professional guidance, and exposure to community leaders.

Timeframe: Medium-term
Projected Participation RateCommunity

Tracks applicant demand after the program has matured.

Timeframe: Long-term
Projected Staff RequiredCommunity

Tracks staffing required to launch and manage the program.

Timeframe: Short-term
Projected Operational CostEconomic

Tracks annual operating expense shown in the budget table.

Timeframe: Short-term
Projected Implementation CompletionInstitutional

Tracks completion of launch milestones: partner support, hiring, outline finalization, applications, cohort selection, first cohort, program review, and second-class selection.

Timeframe: Medium-term
Projected Community EventsCommunity

Tracks weekly sessions, modules, volunteer opportunities, community events, and graduation activities.

Timeframe: Short-term
Projected Participation RateCommunity

Tracks annual COLUMBUS MADE cohort participation.

Timeframe: Medium-term
Projected Leadership EngagementInstitutional

Tracks under-40 professionals moving into leadership positions across Columbus career paths.

Timeframe: Long-term
Projected Resident Retention ImpactCommunity

Tracks the program’s expected contribution to engaging and retaining young talent in Columbus.

Timeframe: Long-term

Key stakeholders

City of ColumbusColumbus State UniversityColumbus 2025Chamber of Commerce / Start Up ColumbusCommunity FoundationConnect. Communicate. ColumbusGrassroots NonprofitCorporate and Private SponsorshipsCommunity DonationsSmall Business OwnersNonprofit Sector EmployeesGovernment EmployeesElected/Appointed Public ServantsHealthcare Professionals

Estimated budget

$38,000 estimated balanced annual operating budget shown in the image. Listed income includes tuition, title sponsor, supporting sponsors, weekly session sponsors, and community donations. Listed expenses include $21,000 for part-time facilitator/communication, $12,000 for food/venue for modules, $3,000 for program materials, and $2,000 reserves.