Toledo official outlines youth workforce plan and proposes single youth services portal

Dr. Stephanie Covington, who leads the city’s Division of Educational Engagement and Workforce Development, told the Toledo City Council Parks, Education, Recreation and Health Committee that the division is building connections between schools, community organizations and industry and plans a youth services portal and a strategic framework due in May or June.

Covington said her work centers on “the three C’s” — “connection, collaboration, and creation” — and described efforts since she began the role in September to link students with career exposure, job-preparedness programs and internships. She said the initiative is being aligned with state workforce priorities to introduce career experiences to students as early as kindergarten.

The presentation cited direct outreach and pilot activities: visits by Toledo Preparatory Academy students to WTOL’s studio; coordination with Toledo Public Schools’ career and technical education programs; job-shadowing opportunities within city departments; and partnerships with community groups such as Junior Achievement, Glass City Academy (which has worked with Cherry Street Ministries), and the Save Our Community program led by Malcolm Cunningham. Covington said the division is meeting with both public and charter schools and noted differences in capacity and funding between the two systems.

“Connection, collaboration, and creation” are the central principles guiding the work, she said, and the city will use those to bridge gaps in exposure and training for students. Covington said a consultant has been retained to develop a strategic plan, that one-on-one interviews are underway, and that focus groups with workforce partners, educational institutions, parents, community members and students are planned for later this month. She said the goal is a strategic framework by “around the May or June time frame” to set near-term priorities and longer-term initiatives.

Council members praised the work. Councilwoman Morris said the city must stop “isolat[ing] a group of kids” and ensure all Toledo youth are engaged. Commissioner David Bush and other members said the portal and strategy should help retain local talent and connect students to scholarships, apprenticeships and trades. In response to a question from a council member, Covington said the proposed youth services portal could include a searchable clearinghouse of resources, scholarship guidance, and a mentor–mentee matchmaking feature being discussed with council staff.

City staff member Joe (surname not specified) said the city took time to establish the division and called Covington a strong hire: “It took quite a while to get this division stood up. We were deliberate, and we found the perfect person for that role.” He added that weekly meetings keep the effort on track and highlighted proactive outreach to businesses to align future workforce needs with training today.

Covington asked council members for additional introductions to employers and organizations and said she is continuing job shadowing, teacher professional development, and conversations with labor and trades groups about training centers and apprenticeships. She emphasized the division will not wait for the strategic plan to take action and will continue to pilot and refine programs as planning proceeds.

The committee did not take formal votes during the discussion. Next steps noted in the briefing include ongoing outreach, the scheduled focus groups, consultant-led strategic planning with a framework targeted for May or June, and development of the youth services portal and potential mentorship features.