OFIC’s Mission to Strengthen Ohio’s Future
Supporting Students, Supporting Ohio
The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC) was recently highlighted in Fortune, Forbes, and Entrepreneur Magazine as a Columbus Business Leader, shedding light on its pivotal role in fostering educational and career opportunities in Ohio. With programs like Talent for Ohio and Corporate Connections, OFIC is dedicated to creating pathways for students and strengthening the state’s workforce.
A Legacy of Support
For nearly 75 years, OFIC has been a cornerstone in Ohio’s educational landscape. Comprising 32 member campuses and nearly 75,000 students, OFIC's mission has always been clear: to financially support students at independent Ohio institutions in their pursuit of bachelor’s degrees. As President Bill Spiker highlights, those with a college degree earn a lifetime income of $1 million more than their non-degree counterparts. This financial support is crucial in helping students achieve this significant milestone.
Expanding the Mission: Next-Level Fundraising and Talent for Ohio
OFIC’s strategic plan aims to elevate its impact through “Next-Level Fundraising,” which seeks to increase financial support for students. The Talent for Ohio initiative is another cornerstone of this plan, focusing on bridging the gap between educational institutions and the corporate world. By partnering with campus career centers, OFIC helps students enhance their career readiness and explore diverse career options within Ohio and beyond.
“We want students to be aware of industry verticals,” says Spiker. “A student might not initially consider a career in manufacturing, but they could find opportunities in finance, marketing, or HR within a manufacturing company.” This holistic approach to career exploration ensures that students don’t limit their potential based on industry labels.
Career Readiness and Corporate Connections
Through OFIC, students have access to an online career-readiness experience, featuring eight core competencies identified by the National Association of Colleges and Employers. These include professionalism, critical thinking, and communication. Completing this program earns students a career readiness Credly badge, which can be showcased on resumes and LinkedIn profiles, giving them a competitive edge in the job market.
On the corporate side, OFIC collaborates with Ohio businesses to expand their talent pools and create meaningful career connections for students. This includes partnerships with renowned organizations like the Nationwide Foundation, Sherwin-Williams Foundation, and Fifth Third Bank’s Foundation Office. These long-standing relationships, some dating back to OFIC’s founding in 1950, exemplify the mutual benefits of such collaborations.
“We serve as an extension of our partner organizations’ talent pipelines,” Spiker explains. “This is particularly beneficial for small and mid-sized companies that may lack robust internal programs for transitioning students from internships to full-time roles.” OFIC’s internship management training modules facilitate these connections, ensuring that both students and employers benefit.
Building Ohio’s Future
OFIC’s efforts are not just about supporting students; they are about fueling Ohio’s economic growth. By aligning educational outcomes with the needs of the state’s industries, OFIC helps ensure that Ohio remains competitive and prosperous. As Spiker proudly states, “It’s very satisfying to be part of an economic growth engine for the state of Ohio. I’m very proud of the OFIC staff and couldn’t be happier about the direction we’re headed with our Trustees and campuses in partnership for Ohio.”
Ready to champion student success, enhance career readiness, and strengthen Ohio’s talent pool? Contact OFIC at inquiry@ofic.org to learn more about their impactful programs and initiatives.