The Summit County Upward Mobility Project is an interagency initiative of the Summit County Executive’s Office. The project is intended to boost mobility from poverty and ensure that prosperity is shared by all residents. Through this project, the county will use a racial equity lens to address disparities in economic and social outcomes. This work focuses on the priority areas of mental health and juvenile justice.

By expanding programming and resources for mental wellness, violence prevention, and mentorship, Summit County will improve the upward mobility of residents in the short and long term. Fostering good mental health will help residents gain education or employment and maintain relationships with family and friends. By promoting Mental Health First Aid training for employees, providing programs for younger and older residents alike, and facilitating connections between mental health organizations, Summit County will provide robust support for mental health care. Summit County also seeks to prevent violence and provide safe neighborhoods for residents, which are also crucial components for fostering wellness, specifically through stronger families. Lastly, by offering mentorship and career pathways programming, Summit County will continue to empower younger residents by connecting them with older residents. Ultimately, these actions will help residents build autonomy and trust in the community, and by working together with local organizations to create and implement the Mobility Action Plan, the process will reflect the intended outcome of empowerment.

Explore the Summit County Upward Mobility Project and read Summit County's mobility action plan.