MANSFIELD — The LeaderRichland RCDG sector will welcome more 1,000 7th and 8th boys to the OSU-Mansfield/NCSC campus over three days: May 16, 17, and 20.
The event is not open to the public, but media outlets are invited to cover the event.
The boys will attend four interactive presentations throughout their experience. Approximately 60 speakers representing Richland County companies will share their career journeys and lead an activity during a 30-minute session.
Speakers represent multiple industries including healthcare, manufacturing, hospitality, technology, education, and aviation. Speaker schedules will be available at Founders Auditorium.
Students begin their day at 9:30 a.m. Founders Auditorium/Ovalwood Hall for an opening assembly with an inspirational speaker each day.
Thursday’s speaker is Brian Skowronski, of BS Media/OH Report. Friday’s speaker is Jami Kinton-Sluss, of Sluss Realty, Cleveland Guardians, Fusion Marketing Group. Monday’s speaker is Chris Hershberger, of Black Belt Pro Fitness.
The middle schools attending this year are Clear Fork, Crestview, Foundation Academy, Galion, Lexington, Lucas, Mansfield, Mansfield-Christian, Ontario, St. Peter’s, Shelby, Shiloh, Richland Academy of Academic Arts, and St. Mary of the Snows.
The Rotary Club of Mansfield, Altrusa International of Mansfield, and Kiwanis Club of Mansfield will volunteer to help students groups off their buses and into the auditorium.
Park National Bank, Mechanics Bank, and Cleveland Financial Group-Chuck Hahn are event sponsors.
Goals
The goals of LeaderRichland are:
- Strengthen the school district’s standing among the community and private sector
- Encourage students to think about personal goals and aspirations
- Provide a roadmap to achieving success
- Connect a network of role models and professionals to area students
- Demonstrate and Reinforce the Ohio Means Jobs Professional Skills to students.
Since female students were hosted in 2023, male students in 7th and 8th grades are attending this year’s event.
LeaderRichland
Beginning in Spring 2012, The Ohio State University at Mansfield and North Central State College began hosting LeaderRichland, a program founded by State Representative Marilyn John, where middle school students spend a day sharing dreams, possibilities, and opportunities for their future.
A few years ago, a partnership was formed between LeaderRichland, the colleges, and the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development highlighting the connection between education and the region’s long-term employment opportunities.
