The GRIT Project (Growing Rural Independence Together) is an innovative and compelling initiative designed to forge a robust, high-demand workforce while fueling vibrant economic growth.
By uniting an impressive coalition of partners—including OhioMeansJobs (OMJ), common pleas and drug courts, K-12 schools, community colleges and universities, economic development giants like JobsOhio/APEG, the Ohio Department of Jobs & Family Services (ODJFS), drug treatment providers, businesses, and a host of not-for-profits—the project creates a powerhouse of resources and support. Through harnessing local, state, and federal funding, GRIT is proving that when organizations join forces, extraordinary achievements are not just possible but inevitable.
Since its launch, the initiative has helped assess and coach more than 34,000 students across Ohio and West Virginia, partnered with 130+ schools, and reached 50+ counties across two states. These milestones demonstrate the power of collaboration in connecting individuals with meaningful education, training, and career opportunities.
Originally targeting the five Ohio counties of Adams, Brown, Highland, Pike, and Scioto, the GRIT Project has now ambitiously expanded its reach to all Appalachian and certain neighboring Ohio counties. This expansion signals a growing commitment to fostering economic sovereignty across the region.
The heart of the GRIT Project lies in its commitment to empowering both students and adults on the path to financial independence through meaningful employment. With personalized career assessments and one-on-one coaching from dedicated career specialists, participants receive tailored guidance. Whether it’s pursuing additional work skills training or stepping directly into a new job—be it in-person or remote—the project ensures a clear, achievable path is laid out.
Understanding that internet access can be a barrier, GRIT is actively overcoming this by establishing local job centers equipped with high-speed internet to open up the world of remote work for the region. This relentless dedication to bridging digital divides underscores the project’s far-reaching vision.
So, why wait? Embark on your journey to empowerment and independence with GRIT today, and witness firsthand how collective effort transforms vision into reality!
Funded By
The GRIT Project (Growing Rural Independence Together) is the flagship workforce development initiative of Future Plans, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to helping youth and adults discover their strengths, build career pathways, and achieve economic mobility. Future Plans is funded through a combination of public and private grants, corporate and community partnerships, and charitable donations that support assessments, coaching, career exploration, and workforce development opportunities.
Partners
