EDITOR’S NOTE: Crawford Success Center in Bucyrus recently held its open house. Here were some comments from participants.
The Crawford: 20/20 Vision plan called for this so we can work toward increasing our county’s educational attainment, but we set our sights for 10 years (2020). We’re so unbelievably proud to be able to have it accessible to our community NOW!
—Michelle Failor, Communications Coordinator, Crawford: 20/20 Vision
The Crawford Success Center is a win-win for Crawford County. Higher education attainment is linked to better employment opportunities for graduates, improved productivity for local employers, and a better quality of life for current and future generations. The opening of the Crawford Success Center speaks volumes about this community’s collaboration and commitment to positive change.
—Lisa Workman, President, Community Foundation for Crawford County
What started out as a small group of people who wanted higher education to be more available to Crawford County residents has resulted in this beautiful center with close to 100 students enrolled when the doors opened in August. It is a dream come true for our county. Our job is not done— please support the CSC by encouraging students to enroll, getting employers to help by providing aid and by pledging financially to show you BELIEVE!
—-Janet Pry, former Executive Director, CF4CC
The Crawford Success Center provides a tremendous opportunity for the residents of our community and represents the realization of a shared vision that was established through Crawford: 20/20 Vision. The center has opened recently under the leadership of Director Erin Stine who has been working extremely hard to provide an open and welcoming environment. The Bucyrus City School District is excited to share this local opportunity with our students as they transition to the next step in their educational career.
—Kevin Kimmel, Superintendent, Bucyrus City Schools
Education has a direct impact on economic development. Every percent moved in educational attainment—- currently at 11.2%, well below the state average—-will represent hundreds of thousands of dollars in economic impact. Examples include higher wages, increased property values, per capita income, and more money to spend locally. Most importantly, education leads to an improved quality of life, which will lead to more individuals and families who will seek to live and work in Crawford County.
—Gary Frankhouse, Executive Director, Crawford County Education and Economic Development Partnership