GHRO Forward is a bold expansion of our GHRO Your Future program, designed specifically for young women ages 18–26 who are transitioning into adulthood and aging out of traditional support systems, yet still need guidance, access, and opportunity to reach their full potential.
This next-phase initiative extends Femergy’s workforce and life-readiness pipeline, bridging the critical gap between high school and career by providing mentorship, hands-on skills training, professional networking, and pathways to economic independence.
Through GHRO Forward, we empower emerging women leaders to not only secure meaningful employment but also to build sustainable futures as innovators, professionals, and changemakers in Central Ohio’s workforce and economy.
Why is GHRO Forward needed?
In Central Ohio, access to career pathways is uneven.
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Nearly one in five young adults in the region is disconnected from both school and work
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More than 40% of entry level jobs require postsecondary credentials or specialized training.
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From 2020 to 2025, Ohio’s joint vocational enrollment grew by more than 18%, with some regional centers increasing by 50%. Over 45,000 students are currently waitlisted statewide for career technical programs, leaving many young women without affordable entry points into high skill fields.
Nationwide, women represent 33% of junior-level workers, and only 24% of mid-level roles and 15% of senior leadership. This gap is not due to lack of talent, but to structural barriers including:
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Limited exposure to career pathways
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Lack of credentialed earn-and-learn opportunities
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Transportation and childcare constraints
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Workplace climates that do not support advancement
Without intentional access to training, mentorship, and work-based learning, many young women cycle through low wage jobs without pathways to advancement.
What is the GHRO Forward model?
We recognize that women’s success in high-demand industries is driven by a combination of technical credentials; professional and life skills, confidence, agency, and advocacy capacity; and trusted employer-connected placement partners.
Through a three-phase model with wraparound supports, participants build foundations, earn industry credentials, and increase job retention. Employer-connected partners remove common workplace barriers, positioning women for sustainable careers, advancement, and generational impact.
The program is delivered through a strategic partnership with Goodwill Columbus, a trusted regional leader in workforce development and employer-connected credentialing.
Life Navigation
Advocacy
Professional Skills
Credentialing
Start Your GHRO Forward Journey Today
Your Future. Your Path. Your Next Step. Submit your application by September 25th, 2026 to be considered for the fall cohort, launching in October. Applications received after 9/25/2026 will be considered for our winter cohort.
Thank you for your interest in GHRO Forward, a workforce and career development program designed to support young adults ages 18–26 as they take the next step toward their education, career, and personal goals. Through GHRO Forward, participants will have access to career exploration, professional and leadership development, industry-recognized training and credentials, connections to employment opportunities, and individualized support to help overcome barriers along the way.
This application helps our team learn more about you — your experiences, interests, goals, strengths, and the support you may need to succeed. There are no perfect answers. We encourage you to be open and authentic as you share where you are today and where you hope to go next.
Completing this application does not guarantee acceptance into the program. Selected applicants will be contacted by a member of the Femergy® team to complete the next step in the enrollment process. We’re excited to learn more about you and how GHRO Forward can support your journey forward.