Hidden Ohio -- Part 2

The shift in Ohio’s economy from a manufacturing to an information/technology base is undeniable. Yet “in an increasingly global society and a state with a stagnant economy, some fear” that Appalachia, which has a long struggle “with poverty, job loss, isolation, and educational disadvantages,” will fall even further behind. In the second part of this summary, we look at Sewell’s series, Hidden Ohio and see that a solution to this challenge is possible.

The primary area that must be addressed to adapt to these changing times is education. On the local level, the problem of funding for public education must be solved in a just and equitable manner. This means that the state’s legislature must pick up the issue that they have been avoiding for so long and address it in a realistic fashion. Our current system does not work; it places the funding for our children’s education in the hands of voters who all too often vote their wallet over the future of our children and grandchildren. As funding is addressed, the local schools need to do a better job of educating students about the opportunities available to them. Under our current structure, many high school juniors and seniors can take college courses at no cost. The program is not widely promoted, however, because each student who participates takes away funding from the local school.

As we address education, we must also look to higher education, for this is where the problem must be solved. One means of doing so is to push for more regional campuses. I am a proud graduate of Kent State University mainly because there is a regional campus in my home town. Also, colleges need to be intentional about working with local businesses to design programs that train students for the real-life needs of the workplace. When this type of cooperation happens, schools and businesses both benefit.

There are three smaller pieces of the solution that also need to be addressed. First, there needs to be a concerted effort to improve the information infrastructure of the region. This is already beginning, with wireless towers providing high-speed connections to a wide area, but the effort must continue.

Second, local leaders need to find practical ways to help people start their own business and find success. Sewell mentions several organizations that are meeting this need in their own areas, but such organizations are few and far from common.

Last, the stereotype of Appalachian culture needs to be debunked. The folks that live here are not ignorant, slothful, or backwards. They are hardworking people who simply want a chance to be successful. And if we can overcome the barriers we just may succeed.