Growing Home Fellowship
“Who’s coming next?” That question echoes throughout Appalachian Ohio as our aging community builders and leaders wonder who will carry forward the transformative work of the institutions essential to the well-being of our region.
The outmigration of our region’s young people is one of the greatest barriers to our communities’ well-being and to our vision: Flourishing people and flourishing communities, today and in perpetuity.
Introducing the Growing Home Fellowship
In 2023, we began piloting the Growing Home Fellowship, a public-private partnership to attract, retain and prepare emerging community builders and leaders committed to ensuring Appalachian Ohio flourishes.
The program launched with an inaugural class of 121 fellows – 18- to 35-year-olds who work with our region’s K-12 population, the “Classroom to Community Cohort.” They are classroom educators, student support service providers, and behavioral and educational programming partners, representing 29 of Appalachian Ohio’s 32 counties. Half of these emerging community builders and leaders were already living in Appalachian Ohio, and half chose to make our communities their home.
In exchange for committing to live, work and volunteer in our region for five years, the fellows receive a financial stipend, and, through FAO, access to a leadership program that includes service, skill development, curated support, mentoring and more – all designed to advance their success and fuel their journeys for decades to come.
In 2024, the fellows began implementing service projects they developed that are advancing opportunities across the Pillars of Prosperity and our communities.
The Foundation of Appalachian Ohio commissioned its inaugural class of Growing Home Fellows on Oct. 7, 2023. Part of an evening celebrating and inspiring community building, the commissioning ceremony was followed by a public presentation from David Brooks. The New York Times columnist and best-selling author shared insights from his book, “The Second Mountain,” which focuses on the joy that comes from service to community.
Impact Report 2023-2024
Watch as leaders and visionaries across Ohio and beyond give their time, expertise and encouragement to our fellows – gifts that will inspire all those committed to our communities.
Fall 2024 Growing Home Fellows Gathering
The Fall 2024 Growing Home Fellows gathering was held Sept. 7-8 in Zanesville, Ohio, with a focus on the Arts and Culture Pillar of Prosperity.
Learn More April 2024 Growing Home Fellows Gathering
The Spring 2024 Growing Home Fellows gathering was held April 20 at The Blakeslee Center in Middleport, Ohio, in conjunction with the Jenco awardee celebration.
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August 2023 Growing Home Fellows Gathering
The Summer 2023 Growing Home Fellows gathering was held Aug. 25-27 at Salt Fork State Park in Guernsey County with a focus on the Health and Human Services Pillar of Prosperity
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April 2023 Growing Home Fellows Gathering
The inaugural Growing Home Fellows gathering was held April 15 at Nelsonville’s historic Stuart’s Opera House.
Learn MoreThrough gifts of time, talent, treasure and partnership, we are seeding the next generation of community builders and leaders whose impact will extend far beyond five years. Together, we are investing in the individuals, ideas and institutions that will deliver a Flourishing Appalachian Ohio.
The Growing Home Fellowship pilot is funded through a public-private partnership, with federal funding from the U.S. Department of Education and private funding made possible by generous donors to the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio.
Special thanks to Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine who, through the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Program, appropriated funds through the Ohio Department of Higher Education to fund this pilot program. The program is being sustained by private donors, including an anonymous donor, Ken Taylor of Ohio CAT and gifts to FAO’s I’m a Child of Appalachia® Fund.
Questions?
Contact Fellowships@ffao.org or call 740-753-1111.