Engage Richland

Engage Richland empowers early career individuals to grow as leaders, engage in their community, and receive mentoring. The program gives young professionals in any industry an opportunity to meet with leaders and decision-makers through business tours and discussions. Opportunities for civic engagement will be discovered. Each participant is paired with a mentor based on career goals and interests. A capstone project will empower participants to advise a nonprofit. Leadership development is incorporated through The Leadership Challenge^® Self Empowered™ Workshop. Participants will grow their network, gain leadership skills, and understand how to engage civically.

Program Outcomes

The Engage Richland Program will empower participants to:

Learn and apply the Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership®: Model the Way, Inspire a Shared Vision, Challenge the Process, and Enable Others to Act.
Explore a wide variety of community topics.
Broaden understanding of issues and opportunities in Richland County while learning how they can be involved.
Experience their community through interactive sessions at various locations throughout Richland County.
Establish a network among a diverse group of young professionals throughout Richland County.
Develop a personal commitment to become involved with projects and organizations in their community.

Program Days

A Engage Richland program day is designed to incorporate many different adult learning styles with discussions, experiential activities, panels, company tours, and service projects.

October 14, 2025 – Leadership Workshop
Orientation Day. Team building exercises, setting expectations, introducing the business tours, capstone project overview, understanding the mentoring model, and participating in The Leadership Challenge® Self Empowered™ Workshop.

November 11, 2025 – Economic Development
Community Focus: What are the latest economic developments in Richland County, and how do they impact my quality of life? Learn about county-wide initiatives. Tour an organization that has expanded recently. Participants will be introduced to their mentor and have their first meeting.

December 9, 2025 – Workforce Development
Community Focus: What is the latest workforce data? What are the projections for in-demand careers? Hear from the Area 10 Workforce Board as well as a workforce panel including a large, medium, and small organization. Participants will have their second mentor visit.

January 13, 2026 – Health and Wellness
Community Focus: What health and wellness options exist for young professionals? A panel of healthcare providers will discuss Richland County health outcomes, the future of healthcare, and ways to stay healthy. Richland Public Health will share impactful programming. Mentors and mentees will meet together for happy hour in a group mentoring format.

February 10, 2026 – Local Government
Community Focus: What decisions are being made by local elected officials and how do they impact young professionals? How can I run for office? Visit the Richland County building and talk with a county commissioner about their vision and priorities. Visit with a local mayor and hear about the latest city or village developments. Participants will have their final mentor visit.

March 10, 2026 – Tourism
Community Focus: What leisure experiences exist for young professionals in Richland County? How does tourism impact our county? Hear from Destination Mansfield Richland County and visit two attractions such as the Malabar Farm, Snow Trails, the Ohio State Reformatory, The Mansfield Playhouse, The Renaissance Theatre, Ohio Bird Sanctuary, Mansfield Art Center, Buckeye Imagination Museum. Participants will be lead through a discussion about what they learned during the program and how they plan to apply their knowledge.

Capstone Project
The Engage Richland cohort will complete a capstone project as a group. The goal is to advise a nonprofit on a strategic problem they are facing and present a solution. Nonprofits will respond to a request for proposal to participants. The cohort will select one nonprofit project out of all that apply.

Commitment: 8-10 hours outside of program days. There will be some time on program days to work on the project, and participants will need to dedicate time outside of class days.

Timeline

Month 1 – Learn about the nonprofit’s situation and goals.
Month 2 – First meeting with the organization contact to understand the problem.
Month 3 – Research to learn more about the organization and its potential.
Month 4 – Summarize Research Findings
Month 5 – Draft a plan and slide presentation.
Month 6 – Presentation to organization leader and board members.

Program Impact

The goal is for young professionals to grow in leadership development, community familiarization, and professional network growth as a result of the program. It is realistic that participants will:

Develop leadership skills and put them to use.
Find a board role.
Find a volunteer position.
Become informed about community issues and potential solutions.
Envision their future in Richland County.

Organizations will benefit by sending their young professionals through the program as they will:

Gain the skills and confidence to lead more effectively in their current position and advance within the company.
Become equipped to share crucial information about community developments and potential collaborations for the company.
Become more rooted in Richland County.

Class of 2025 Application Information

Participants

A maximum of 20 participants will be selected annually.

Selection

Candidates selected for the Engage Richland program will possess a sincere commitment, motivation, and interest to serve the Richland County community.
A selection committee will review all completed applications and select those applicants who have demonstrated commitment, leadership ability, and a desire to serve their community.

Tuition

Tuition for the program is $750 and includes The Leadership Challenge Self-Empowered Assessment, The Leadership Challenge book. Tuition should be met by the participant and his or her sponsoring organization or employer. Payment plans may be arranged.

Commitment

Engage Richland requires that a participant have the full support of the organization he or she represents. To graduate from the program, a participant must attend all but one program day.