Sixty-five residents from nine Empowerment Zone neighborhoods have found employment through a workforce development program called “Learn and Earn.” The program is the result of the creativity and determination of the Mt. Auburn Community Council and its president, Stanley Broadnax, M.D., who designed the program.

The program was made possible by a $60,000 grant from the Cincinnati Empowerment Corporation and a matching $60,000 grant from the St. Joseph Development Corporation. The program has also benefited from funding by the Uptown Consortium, Cincinnati Police Department and the University of Cincinnati.  Four of the Empowerment Zone neighborhoods involved are located in Uptown:  Avondale, Clifton Heights/University Heights/Fairview, Corryville and Mt. Auburn.

 “Learn and Earn” used direct financial incentives to encourage area employers to hire residents who live in the Empowerment Zone neighborhoods.  “Learn and Earn” business participants receive a stipend that covers hourly wages (up to $7.50 per hour) for newly employed residents during their job orientation and training period.

“In some instances, the program even will provide stipends to defray the cost of special work apparel,” explained Dr. Broadnax.   “I applaud the willingness of the new Dunkin’ Donuts/Baskin Robbins (435 E. Martin Luther King Drive) and Taco Bell (intersection of McMillan and Highland Avenues in Mt. Auburn) to focus on hiring neighborhood residents,” said Dr. Broadnax.

Since the “Learn and Earn” program was launched in 2005, it has served more than 400 youth and adults.

Uptown business interested in learning more about the “Learn and Earn” program, can call Dr. Stanley Broadnax at 513.390.1245.