By Andi Anderson
Ohio State University’s Engaged Scholarship Symposium brought together students, faculty, and community organizations to highlight impactful partnerships that benefit communities across Ohio.
Organized by the Office of Outreach and Engagement, the event showcased collaborative efforts in education, agriculture, and workforce development.
Jason Reece, vice provost for urban research and community engagement, emphasized the importance of these partnerships in addressing community needs. “The symposium celebrates collaborative work that makes a tangible difference in Ohio,” he said.
Graduate students presented innovative projects, including research to improve education policies and elevate small farmers’ voices. Adriana Martinez-Calvit works with schools to create effective strategies for enhancing student performance, while Sherifat Alabi focuses on telling the stories of Ohio’s small farmers to promote sustainable agriculture.
Faculty members play a key role in guiding students to collaborate with community organizations. Eric Anderman, a professor in the College of Education and Human Ecology, emphasized the value of fostering connections between students and local partners.
Similarly, Associate Professor Joy Rumble highlighted how these efforts align with Ohio State’s land-grant mission of extending research to the public.
One standout initiative is WestFest, a science and sustainability festival that connects Ohio State researchers with the community. Courtney Price, co-founder of WestFest, explained, “Our goal is to make science accessible, fun, and relevant to everyday life.” The event has sparked ongoing collaborations, such as those with Franklin Park Conservatory.
Keynote speaker Lisa Courtice, CEO of United Way of Central Ohio, highlighted Ohio State’s role in workforce development, stating that the university is crucial in attracting and retaining talent for the region.
The symposium concluded with examples of student involvement, such as volunteering at the Marion Family YMCA’s youth programs, showcasing Ohio State’s commitment to making a difference statewide.
This event underscored the value of partnerships in addressing real-world challenges and strengthening Ohio communities.
Photo Credit: ohio-state-university
Categories: Ohio, Rural Lifestyle