Connecting Classrooms to Careers: The Power of RISE Up in Ohio

The NRF Foundation recently convened educators, workforce development organizations, and employers in Dublin, Ohio, for the RISE Up Educator Workshop. This two-day event was designed to connect RISE Up classroom learning with the needs of leading Ohio employers. The workshop was hosted in partnership with Dublin City Schools, Jade Strategies, and the Ohio Council of Retail Merchants, and featured hands-on experiences, expert panels, and collaborative planning sessions.  

The first day focused on aligning the NRF Foundation RISE Up curriculum with Ohio’s graduation requirements and the Ohio Means Jobs Readiness Seal to ensure students have the professional skills required for success in the workplace, in retail, any beyond. Educators participated in breakout groups, field guide exploration, and independent planning, all aimed at implementing RISE Up credentials in their classrooms with rigor and fidelity.  

Demonstrating Real-World Impact and Shifting Perceptions 

Day two brought the ecosystem to life with visits to three major Ohio employers; Kroger, Walmart, and PetSmart. Rachael Carl, Director of Public & Government Affairs at Walmart, reflected on her experience during the workshop, “The hands-on tours showcased the value of employers like Walmart in the Ohio workforce, and hopefully inspired new ideas to help students prepare to thrive in the workforce.”  

The agenda included interactive activities like guided tours and group reflections. During reflections, the group collectively reviewed the National Retail Federation and Lotis Blue’s report, The Value of a Retail Career. Notable insights from the report included retail’s highly transferable skills, the industry’s time to promotion, and wage progression. According to the report, earnings increase 54%, on average, with only 2-5 years of experience in the industry. Those who stay in retail for more than 5 years can expect a staggering 122% increase in compensation over roles requiring 2-5 years of experience. Furthermore, roles in retail that require 8-10 years of experience garner a salary that is 282% higher than that of entry-level roles. Jason Bates, director of college and career pathways and partnerships at Gahanna Jefferson Public Schools said, “The presenters truly excelled in highlighting the diverse opportunities available in retail for students, especially the impressive range of benefits. My biggest takeaway was discovering just how many pathways and advantages this industry offers. Thank you for providing such valuable and impactful training!”

Preparing Ohio Students for the Workforce

Educators using RISE Up in their classroom are helping students with more than credentials and graduation requirements—they’re helping address the state’s growing demand for skilled workers in the retail sector and beyond. According to Lightcast, demand for skills in communication, customer service, and warehousing will grow in Ohio by as much as 13% across all industries. These are the skills educators bring to their students when they use RISE Up. Not only are these educators helping learners build life-changing careers with these credentials, they are also boosting the local economy by preparing students to meet labor market demands.

And for students who decide to put their RISE Up credential to work, they’ll be set up for success. RISE Up prepares students for roles in the industry, like a Sales Manager, who, on average, earns more than $150,000 per year in Ohio.

Inspiring Broader Engagement and Momentum 

The RISE Up Educator Workshop was more than just an event, it was a launchpad for future workshops and partnerships. “Initiatives like this are vital for highlighting that retail offers opportunity, highly transferable skills, and excellent career paths with rapid advancement possibilities” says Rachael Carl.  

Opportunities for businesses to engage are only growing, through advisory councils, mentorship programs, and internships. Schools can connect with industry organizations and leverage RISE Up resources to create pathways for student success. The real-world impact of RISE Up credentials was evident in the stories shared and the partnerships formed. As the ecosystem expands, it offers a replicable model for other states, and a powerful launchpad for future innovation in workforce development.