Title
To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Educate Empower Elevate Program
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WHEREAS, since 2011 the United Way of Central Ohio’s Women United, formerly Women’s Leadership Council, Godman Guild Association, and New Directions Career Center initiated and maintained partnership to deliver the Educate, Empower, Elevate (E³) Program; and
WHEREAS, at the time of program inception, 34% of female headed households in Columbus, Ohio had incomes below the poverty level and when educational attainment was factored in, 63% of the households in poverty were headed by women with a High School diploma/equivalent or some college (American Community Survey, 2009); and
WHEREAS, the aforementioned partners committed to effect positive change by uplifting and empowering women to achieve financial stability via completion of postsecondary education and training that leads to a self-sufficiency wage; and
WHEREAS, the E³ core program delivered personal enrichment, financial literacy, educational readiness including math and English upskilling, career exploration, and career development paired with individual career counseling, employment services, mentorship with professional women, and mediation/ support services;
WHEREAS, since 2011, over 1000 women have engaged with the program in assessments and linkages to community resources; and 250 women successfully graduated the E³ program and continued into postsecondary education programs with continued wrap-around support and direct assistance; and
WHEREAS, 81% of program graduates have achieved their employment goals of obtaining, retaining, and advancing in career opportunities and wages; now, therefore;
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council does hereby commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the E³ - Educate, Empower, Elevate Program.