Leadership: Future Workforce

Author: Ann Gallaher

March 2009

During the dot.com era in the late 1990’s the Ohio Department of Development funded workforce development programs to ensure the State of Ohio and the IT industry produced and retained future workers.  The Digital Mixer and other programs were initiated by Technology First to introduce current technology students to the local IT industry and potential future employers.    After several years the Digital Mixer was discontinued due to the State of Ohio’s changing funding priorities and lack of staff resources.  In recent years a partnership with Wright State University and the Dayton Chamber of Commerce has revived the effort and has ensured the program’s continued success.

In March the University System of Ohio announced its intent to re-vitalize the focus on developing and retaining college graduates especially in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) areas.  Currently named the Co-op and Internship Experience its intent is for Ohio’s higher education institutions to collaborate with the private sector to ensure graduating students have the skills required to meet business needs.

The State of Ohio is interested in developing processes and infrastructure for employers to weigh in on appropriate course curriculum, then hire and retain students interested in continuing their careers in Ohio and in this instance – staying in the information technology field.

This program has serious intent and is budgeted for $50 million per year for the next five years.  A committee of local business and education leaders will respond to the State’s request for proposal and we will keep you abreast of the Dayton region’s progress and success.

The Digital Mixer in conjunction with the Dayton Chamber’s leadership of the Third Frontier Internship program and the annual Robert V. McKenna scholarship program all begin to build a comprehensive approach to retaining outstanding Ohio IT students in the Dayton region!