Many Northeast Ohio legal professionals are familiar with the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association Green Initiative Committee Certification Program, which certifies law firms and offices that engage in environmentally
responsible practices. Discussed in this article by Carter Strang and Joseph Tarasco is another certification program — Classrooms to Corporations (C2C) — a nonprofit that not only encourages responsible practices but also results in youth employment: The program introduces high school students to career paths in information technology.

Tucker Ellis recently donated several hundred devices, including computers, which were installed in high school labs in three Northeast Ohio school districts. In a first level of training, C2C teaches students how to repurpose the technology. In a second, more advanced level of training, students can obtain certificate-level IT training.

“The C2C initiative fits strategically within the Mayor’s goal to reduce youth violence by driving up opportunities for youth and youth adults,” said former Chief Duane Deskins, Prevention, Intervention, & Opportunity for Youth and Young Adults. “This public health model of violence prevention focuses on reducing toxic stress in our youth by increasing youth-valued activities and surrounding them with a caring and competent adult. In addition, Cleveland’s youth seek greater access to technology and C2C is well-positioned to accomplish both missions.”

Read the article here.