Approximately 80 days ago school ended for most kids. Over the course of the next 10 days it will begin again for tens of thousands of kids in the Columbus Region and across the country. Back to the routine of getting up early, hectic schedules, and homework. At stake – our future standard of living and economic success.
This past weekend was “move in” weekend for The Ohio State University. More than 10,000 college students will begin their freshmen year of advanced education in our region. The Ohio State University will welcome many of these students later today at Nationwide Arena downtown with the help of several community organizations. We want them to know that we appreciate their choice to make the Columbus Region their home for the next several years – and that we want them to fully participate as citizens and join in the fun of making this the best metro area in the United States.
According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, roughly 55 million kids (pre-k through grade 12) will attend school this year. Seven percent of 16-24 year olds will not be in school and do not have a high school degree (termed drop-outs) and total expenditures will exceed $600 billion dollars for public elementary and secondary education.
We’ve invested a lot in education. We want our youngest students to get started right, we have to hang on to those kids in the middle years, and help them finish strong from both high school and college to build the type of economy and healthy communities we have all come to enjoy. As our kids head back to school this fall, let’s consider what is at stake and what we can do to increase their chances for success.
One Columbus Update
We had the opportunity to meet officials from VSP, who announced the addition of 100 jobs in Columbus last week. We appreciate their commitment to our community, with multiple facilities in the Columbus Region. And congratulations to Honda on today’s production launch of the all-new 2013 Honda Accord.
Last Friday the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, the Columbus Partnership and staff dedicated to One Columbus participated in a one-day team building exercise at the Ohio Union. Thanks to all of our partners for making that a great day of learning about one another and our ambitious goals.
-Kenny McDonald