CINCINNATI, OH — One of the big challenges for public service organizations is how to efficiently and affordably assist employees with obtaining the skills they need to advance their career and move up into leadership positions.
The Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library (CHPL), in partnership with Cincinnati State, did just that with the development of Community Leadership Certificate Program, which began in 2023 with an initial class of 10 participants, all of whom will be graduating this spring.
The 33-credit-hour online program allows participants to tailor their academic journey to fit their schedules. To further make opportunities accessible to a wide range of library employees, participants also have the cost of courses fully covered by CHPL.
The program was awarded the 2024 Outstanding Public Service Award by the Greater Cincinnati Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA). The award, recognizing excellence in public service initiatives, was under the "Public Service Initiative" category.
“Our Community Leadership Certificate Program is not just about developing leaders; it’s about strengthening the future of public service for Hamilton County,” said Paula Brehm-Heeger, CHPL's Eva Jane Romaine Coombe Director. “This award represents what can be achieved when we invest in people and partnerships to create meaningful change in public service.”
The Community Leadership Certificate Program equips CHPL staff who do not have a master’s degree in Library or Information Science to advance in public service roles, such as Branch Manager or Branch Supervisor. A second class with six participants is underway, and a third class is forming.
“Collaborating with great institutions like the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library is what Cincinnati State is all about,” said Julie McLaughlin, Professor/Chair Leadership Certificate and Community Leadership Certificate at Cincinnati State. “We hope to partner with other regional institutions on similar programs.”
For more information about the Community Leadership Certificate Program or other CHPL initiatives, please visit CHPL.org.
For more information about how the Community Leadership Certificate might work for your organization, contact Julie McLaughlin at julie.mclaughlin@cincinnatistate.edu
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