State Representatives Andrea White, Tom Young Applaud Launch of Regional Education Partnerships

COLUMBUS, Ohio — State Representatives Andrea White (R-Kettering) and Tom Young (R-Washington Township) today applaud the launch of Ohio’s new Regional Education Partnerships, a statewide initiative designed to bring schools, employers, workforce organizations and community leaders together to help young Ohioans succeed from early childhood through their education and into the workforce.

The initiative establishes 12 regional partnerships across Ohio that will use local data to identify challenges facing students and coordinate community resources to address them.

Representative White originally introduced the concept as House Bill 312 during the 135th General Assembly alongside Rep. Young. The legislation was ultimately enacted through Senate Bill 208, sponsored by Sen. Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson).

"Regional Education Partnerships are pre-kindergarten to postsecondary partnerships that work together locally to improve key performance metrics for children in their communities—all proven to yield lower poverty, crime and substance abuse levels while increasing earned income, financial security, safer communities and longer, healthier lifespans," Rep. White said. "By firmly embedding the growth of Regional Education Partnerships within DEW and within the fibers of our communities, we’re making a substantial downpayment on Ohio’s future. It’s an investment that will yield significant economic outcomes and opportunities for our students, our communities, and our state – not only for today, but for many years to come.”

“Ohio’s young people deserve every opportunity to succeed, and that starts with making sure the adults and organizations supporting them are working together,” said Rep. Young. “These partnerships bring government, schools, nonprofits and the private sector to the same table to identify challenges, develop solutions and deliver measurable results. I’m proud to have helped lay the groundwork for this initiative, and I look forward to seeing the impact it has on Ohio’s students, workforce and communities.”

The Regional Education Partnerships, which will be led by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce in collaboration with the Ohio Department of Children and Youth and the Ohio Department of Higher Education, will focus on the full educational journey of young Ohioans, including kindergarten readiness, literacy, attendance, graduation, postsecondary enrollment, credential attainment and workforce participation.

Each regional partnership will assess local needs, establish priorities and develop customized improvement plans. The partnerships will receive ongoing coaching, shared data tools and technical assistance to help communities measure progress and improve outcomes.