MoveUp Ohio

Completed

MoveUp Ohio was a two-year workforce initiative that helped young people move from uncertainty to opportunity.

Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor and supported by the Ode Family Foundation, MoveUp Ohio served youth and young adults ages 16–24 across Northwest Ohio. Through career assessment, coaching, work-based learning, and barrier-removal supports, participants were guided from self-discovery to employment using the Future Plans 5-Step Process.

The project concluded in December 2025 after exceeding grant performance goals and delivering lasting value to individuals, employers, and regional partners.

Project Overview

Project timeframe: December 2023 – December 2025 
Population served: Youth and young adults ages 16–24 
Geography: Northwest Ohio 
Funders: U.S. Department of Labor, Ode Family Foundation 

MoveUp Ohio was designed to meet young people where they were, helping them identify strengths, explore career pathways, overcome barriers, and connect to real workforce opportunities. The project emphasized hands-on career exposure, personalized coaching, and practical supports that made participation and persistence possible.

Impact at a Glance

Over two years, MoveUp Ohio delivered strong outcomes across the region: 

  • 1,306 participants developed a career plan
  • 1,528 youth participated in career mentorship, job shadowing, or hands-on career discovery (a 500% increase over the two-year goal)
  • 207+ workforce credentials earned
  • $50,000 in student internship wages reinvested directly into local communities
  • Exceeded federal goals for:
    • Work based learning internships
    • Barrier removal services

These results reflect meaningful progress along each participant’s career pathway.

Regional Reach

MoveUp Ohio served communities across Northwest Ohio through partnerships with schools, colleges, workforce organizations, and community-based programs.

Counties served included: 

  • Williams County
  • Defiance County
  • Paulding County
  • Fulton County
  • Lucas County
  • Wood County
  • Sandusky County

Stories From the Field

Behind every number is a real person navigating real barriers—and real progress. 

After serving in the U.S. Army, Troy returned to Fulton County to continue education in a workforce program at Northwest State Community College. Through MoveUp Ohio, Troy completed career assessment and coaching and received transportation support that helped repair a vehicle and stay on track. During the program, Troy shared, “I am learning a lot and I come home tired and dirty every day! I love being able to support my family.” 

Project Legacy: What Continues

While federal funding for MoveUp Ohio has concluded, the work itself has not ended. 

The strategies, partnerships, and tools developed through MoveUp are continuing through The GRIT Project, ensuring that progress made during the grant continues to support jobseekers and employers across Ohio. 

Through GRIT, Future Plans is sustaining and expanding: 

  • Career navigation and coaching
  • Employer engagement and work-based learning
  • Barrier removal strategies
  • Regional collaboration and pathway development 

While the grant has closed, the impact continues.

Learn More

Through MoveUp, Future Plans provided powerful professional development events for educators, workforce and economic development professionals, Chambers of Commerce, and other community organizations and businesses. Learn how our team can help your staff and community members make a difference in the lives of individuals.

Download the MoveUp Brief

Participating Organizations

 

 

 

Partners