Columbus’ unemployment rate is low, but too many residents are trapped in low-paying jobs and lack the resources to climb a better career ladder, says Columbus City Council President Pro Tempore Rob Dorans.
“We know that we have too many friends, neighbors and family members that live paycheck to paycheck,” Dorans said. He calls these workers “underemployed.”
Meanwhile, local employers need skilled workers. That’s why Dorans and Aspyr, formerly called the Workforce Development Board of Central Ohio, are launching CAREER 500 (Columbus Access to Resources for Expanding Employment Readiness). The program intends to help at least 500 residents access job training in the next two years.
Dorans and Aspyr announced $1.8 million in grants for seven local organizations on Monday. The money will help existing job training programs in Columbus expand to serve more people and/or break down barriers to getting training, like assisting participants with child care or transportation.
Columbus City Council Pro Tempore Rob Dorans on Monday, March 3, 2025 at The Reeb Center announced inaugural grants for CAREER 500, a program intended to help at least 500 Columbus residents access job training over the next two years.
Columbus City Council approved the funding in October and Aspyr vetted grant applications.
“CAREER 500 is not about just helping a person get a job, any job. This program is designed to connect residents with careers with good wages, quality health care benefits and retirement plans,” Dorans said.
For example, Goodwill Columbus will use its grant to expand its certified nursing assistant training, a five-week course, to train more people. Participants also receive services like help with transportation and job placement services.
The four major health systems in Columbus employ 84,000 individuals, but there are 7,000 unfilled positions, said Goodwill Columbus President and CEO Ryan Burgess.
“My humble belief is that having a good job, a good career, there is no greater sense of self dignity,” Burgess said.
CAREER 500 will also partner with the Ohio State Center on Education and Training for Employment to track outcomes.
“The idea of making this investment and then evaluating it and helping to share best practices really is new,” Aspyr CEO Lisa Patt McDaniel said.
The following local organizations received grants:
Goodwill Columbus – $350,000
National Center for Urban Solutions Columbus – $320,000
Jewish Family Services – $300,000
Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services – $280,000
Youth Over Us – $200,000
Franklinton Rising – $200,000
Riverview International – $150,000
jlaird@dispatch.com
@LairdWrites
