On December 6th, all cohorts gathered one final time in Connellsville to present their final deliverables to the community and the Fayette County Cultural Trust. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend due to illness, but my group was able to provide me with an understanding of how the presentation went.
From what I heard from my group, the final presentation of our deliverables went smoothly, showcasing the hard work and dedication of all cohorts. The event provided an excellent opportunity to share our insights and proposed solutions with the Fayette County Cultural Trust and other stakeholders. However, attendance from community members was lower than anticipated, which limited the opportunity for direct community engagement and feedback during the event. Despite this, we were able to highlight the tangible impact of our efforts and set the stage for continued collaboration, leaving a strong foundation for future cohorts to build upon.
Final Deliverables:
The business cohort had the advantage of building on research conducted in previous years, which guided us in developing “Crash Courses” for the Fayette County Cultural Trust’s Entrepreneurship and Education Center.
This semester, we focused on creating programming for the center, a vital hub that provides local entrepreneurs and business owners with essential tools and knowledge to succeed. Drawing from community interests identified by last year’s business cohort, we designed two “Crash Courses” on Brand Management and Instagram Marketing. These topics were carefully selected to address the specific needs and aspirations of the local community, ensuring our efforts aligned with their priorities.
Crash Course: Instagram Marketing
The “Crash Course in Instagram/Facebook Marketing” highlights the potential of social media as a marketing tool when used effectively. This mini lecture covers best practices for creating engaging content, setting up accounts, and utilizing advertising tools on these platforms. The course aims to equip participants with practical skills to expand their online presence, engage more customers, and explore innovative ways to promote their businesses. By empowering local entrepreneurs and small business owners with these skills, we hope to stimulate economic growth and foster new business ventures in the region.
Crash Course: Brand Management
The “Crash Course in Brand Management” is a concise lecture designed to teach local business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs how to build and maintain a cohesive brand identity. Key topics include the psychological impact of color choices, effective font selection, and the strategic use of imagery. To provide a practical example, the presentation incorporates a case study using the University of Pittsburgh, demonstrating how these branding principles can be applied successfully. By mastering these elements, participants can create memorable and impactful brands that resonate with their target audiences.
Addressing Student Employment Challenges
In addition to the crash courses, we investigated broader economic challenges in Fayette County, particularly the decline in student employment. Discussions with a representative from the Laurel Highlands School District revealed a concerning trend: fewer students are taking part-time jobs. While this decline partially stems from the pandemic, it reflects a deeper, pre-existing issue affecting skill development and work experience for young people.
Our research identified a mismatch between the abundance of entry-level job vacancies and the lack of student participation in the workforce. To address this gap, we propose organizing a job fair targeting high school students and recent graduates. This event would not only aim to fill entry-level positions but also provide a platform to showcase career development opportunities.
Proposed Career Fair
Fayette County currently lacks general career fairs, which limits students’ awareness of diverse job opportunities. By organizing an inclusive career fair, we hope to bridge this gap and connect young job seekers with employers across various industries. Next year’s cohort could expand on this initiative by incorporating workshops on resume writing, interview skills, and professional networking during the fair. These resources would further support attendees in navigating the job market and securing employment opportunities.
Areas of Focus
Our efforts this semester concentrated on three key areas identified by last year’s cohort: social media communication, job search strategies, and professional development. By addressing these topics, we aim to empower the Fayette County community with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in today’s competitive economy.
Of all the deliverables and recommendations we proposed, the one I am most eager to see implemented is the job fair initiative. If I could prioritize a single recommendation, it would be the creation of a comprehensive system of job fairs throughout Fayette County. The need is pressing: many companies are struggling to fill job vacancies, and Fayette County’s unemployment rate remains higher than the national average. This indicates a clear disconnect—there are people in need of jobs, and jobs waiting to be filled.
One major issue we identified is the lack of a centralized system for connecting job seekers with available positions. Currently, many prospective employees discover openings only by spotting “Help Wanted” signs in front of businesses, rather than through an accessible online platform or a unified job fair. A well-organized job fair could bridge this gap, providing a single venue where employers and job seekers can connect, facilitating better communication and reducing barriers to employment.
Key lessons:
- Community Engagement: Staying in close contact with the Directors of the Fayette County Cultural Trust, Michael and Dan, was essential. Their feedback ensured our projects aligned with the community’s needs and vision.
- Leveraging Past Work: We found a wealth of information from previous cohorts, but filtering through it to find useful resources was time-consuming. Future cohorts would benefit from systematically reviewing and building upon past materials.
- Time Management and Organization: Balancing academic responsibilities with project demands required careful planning. Utilizing tools like Gantt charts and setting clear deadlines helped us stay on track.
Summary:
The primary goal of Fayette County is to foster sustainable economic growth by creating opportunities for businesses and residents to thrive. This includes attracting new investments, supporting local entrepreneurs, reducing unemployment, and empowering individuals with the skills and resources needed to succeed in a competitive economy. Our work with the Fayette County Cultural Trust directly contributes to these objectives by addressing specific economic challenges and gaps. Through initiatives like the development of “Crash Courses” and proposals for job fairs, we aim to equip local businesses with effective marketing tools, connect job seekers with employment opportunities, and encourage entrepreneurship. By aligning our efforts with the county’s goals, we strive to build a stronger economic foundation that benefits both individuals and the broader community.
