SEP finds itself positioned to significantly improve the lives of individuals and contribute to Stark County’s well-being, especially as it pertains to talent development. Trends laid out in the 2017 Strengthening Stark: A Call for Economic Transformation Report informed and compelled many community members engaged in SEP’s strategic planning process. As the report makes clear, demographic trends showcase emerging workforce challenges in the region. Education, workforce, and community leaders acknowledged these trends and spoke to the role SEP can play in better connecting the education and workforce systems, potentially impacting individual students and the greater community positively. Ultimately, the conversations and meetings led to a new vision:  

To build generations of successful individuals who fulfill their potential and grow roots in Stark County. 

To realize this vision, SEP’s Board of Directors unanimously approved a new strategic plan¹ which provides organizational direction over the next several years. Read the Executive Summary here. Additional information will be shared as SEP begins implementation of the plan in the fall and beyond. 

Collaborating with educators, employers and organizations like Strengthening Stark and the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, Stark Education Partnership will strive to implement its vision of a flourishing, exciting Stark County where students realize their potential and graduates develop their careers locally.