Explanation
BACKGROUND: This ordinance authorizes the City Clerk to enter into a grant agreement with A Seat at Our Table, a non-profit corporation, in support of the WorkSpace program.
WorkSpace is a professional development and leadership accelerator designed to support emerging and mid-career professionals in Central Ohio. The program provides participants with skills, strategies, and a peer network to strengthen leadership capacity and advance professionally. One of the only programs of its kind in Central Ohio, WorkSpace serves as a catalyst for tangible career growth. Through in-person, interactive sessions, career coaching, skills-based workshops, and mentorship opportunities, participants gain practical tools to navigate workplace challenges, increase confidence, and position themselves for advancement and long-term upward mobility. Based on the success of the 2025 WorkSpace cohorts, A Seat at Our Table is seeking an additional $15,000 investment from the City of Columbus to expand access, increase cohort capacity, sustain high-quality facilitation, and support participant scholarships. With continued support from the City, A Seat at Our Table can:
· Serve more professionals and emerging leaders in Columbus.
· Increase access for participants who may not otherwise be able to afford the full cost of the program.
· Expand the frequency and size of future WorkSpace cohorts.
· Continue delivering high-quality leadership development rooted in workforce readiness, confidence-building, and career mobility.
· Strengthen Columbus’ inclusive leadership pipeline.
· Invest in diverse local vendors and small businesses.
· Build ThriveIN’s internal capacity to support sustainable program growth
A continued investment from the City of Columbus would allow A Seat at Our Table to build on the momentum of the 2025 cohorts and deepen the program’s impact across the region.
This ordinance authorizes advanced payment to A Seat at Our Table in order to provide the resources...
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