High School Students Learn about Cincinnati’s Economy

Cincinnati, OH – Twenty high school students from over 15 local schools are learning about the Cincinnati’s economy through a summer program offered by the University of Cincinnati’s Economics Center.  Today’s Learners, Tomorrow’s Leaders (TL2) summer program aims to educate a cadre of young students, with a purpose to interest and excite them about economics education and the Cincinnati community. Thursday, July 3 at 4:30 p.m., Dr. O’dell Owens, Hamilton County coroner, and a big proponent of urban education, will address the first graduating class of the TL2 program. The graduation ceremony is held on the 8th floor of the Richard E. Lindner Varsity Village Center (main UC campus).

During the three week program, the students are enrolled in an undergraduate Economics course (Econ 101) and besides classroom, they’ve been learning about economics by touring Cincinnati’s businesses and successful industries. Students visited the facilities of Procter & Gamble, Cincinnati/NKY International Airport, the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland – Cincinnati Plant, Toyota, and several others. Students from local high schools are recommended for the program by their high school guidance counselors, principals, teachers and employers. Therefore, the TL2 has attracted only high-achieving students with demonstrated leadership skills from many local public high schools.

Mr. John Morris, Education Director at the UC’s Economics Center shared, “The objective of TL2 is to establish a one-of-a-kind, high quality summer program for juniors and seniors of local public high schools and to generate a cadre of young, college-ready individuals who have been exposed to and are excited about economics education.  As a result of the program, we expect TL2 students to strongly consider University of Cincinnati for their college careers.  In addition, the summer program will be established as an exciting opportunity for local high schools, and one that provides real value to students: rigorous academic content, insightful tours, and undergraduate credits for work completed.”

PHOTOS & INTERVIEWS: Thursday, July 3 graduation event (4:30 p.m. -6:00 p.m.) at UC’s Varsity Village Center is an excellent photo and journalistic opportunity. Dr. O’dell Owens will address the graduating class of the TL2 program. The Economics Center staff and participating students are available for interview. Call 513-556-2684 or 513-324-4276 for more information.