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

Over the summer, educators, workforce development organizations, employers, and the NRF Foundation came together in Dublin, Ohio, for the RISE Up Educator Workshop. This two-day event was designed to connect, educate, and plan for the future of career readiness in retail. The workshop was hosted in partnership with Dublin City Schools and Jade Strategies, and featured hands-on experiences, expert panels, and collaborative planning sessions.

The first day focused on building connections among educators and retail business partners, exploring free classroom resources, experiential learning strategies, and aligning the NRF Foundation RISE Up curriculum with Ohio’s graduation requirements. Educators participated in breakout groups, field guide exploration, and independent planning, all aimed at integrating RISE Up credentials into their classrooms.

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. Educators toured real-world business operations, observed career pathways in action, and reflected on how these experiences could be translated into student learning. The agenda included interactive activities like guided tours, and group reflections, designed to showcase the value of retail and the skills that stick with students long after graduation.

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.”

Throughout the workshop, participants shared stories and testimonials that illustrated the transformative power of RISE Up credentials. Educators saw firsthand how the curriculum and learning concepts prepare students for the workforce, build confidence, and spark new ideas about retail career pathways.

A Focus on Ohio

RISE Up credentials help students earn the career readiness competency and readiness seals required for Ohio graduation. By passing industry-recognized exams, students can earn a 12-point credential and complete the Ohio Means Jobs form, fulfilling key graduation requirements and boosting their school’s state report card. Students learn through work, about work, and for work, gaining experience that is relevant to a significant percentage of Ohio jobs, helping to fuel the Ohio workforce.

Educators heard directly from students in the Young Professionals Academy and RISE Up Summer Boot Camp, who described how internships and experiential learning helped them feel more confident about their futures and informed their career decisions.

Inspiring Broader Engagement and Momentum

The Ohio RISE Up 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.