ProgressOhio

[Columbus, Ohio]– A transition to a clean energy economy can create 61,000 jobs in Ohio and recent Ohio State graduates are calling on their Senators to help them fill them.  Today, 20 students from Ohio State University, Kent State University, The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, Kenyon College, Kaplan College, The University of Toledo, and DePaul University marched to Senator Brown’s office to submit their resumes for employment consideration in a new clean energy economy. None of them have been contacted for an interview, as of yet.

 “As a recent graduate of The Ohio State University with significant experience in Political Science, I bring the skills and commitment necessary to thrive in a new clean energy economy,” said Lana Cushman. “I hope Senator Brown will consider my resume, and help produce the thousands of jobs businesses all across Ohio are ready and willing to create for graduating students like myself.”

Cushman, the daughter of two manufacturing workers, has firsthand experienced the tough job market, both for herself and through her family. Working with several student organizations during her education at The Ohio State University, Cushman specifically studied the sociology of labor and was active in Students Against Sweatshops and The John Glenn Civic Leadership Council.

Young people have the most to lose from the climate crisis, but have the most to gain from a clean energy economy. In an effort to call attention to the job creation potential of a 21st century clean energy economy, students at Ohio State are asking Senator Brown to help reverse the trend of youth unemployment by supporting climate and clean energy policies that can help empower their generation to build a sustainable economy through clean, efficient, renewable energy sources.

With the cost of higher education and youth unemployment continuing to rise, more and more college students are graduating into high debt and low job prospects.  According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, youth unemployment currently sits at 19.1% nationally, while according a 2010 report by the College Board, 17% percent of graduates will have more than $30,000 in debt upon graduation. With these factors combined, many college graduates are unable to land their first job before their first loan payment comes due.

“All across Ohio there are young people just like me, looking for a job.  We will soon have degrees in engineering, business, the sciences, and just like Senator Brown we want to make Ohio a better place.,” said Ohio State student Mary Dalton Ohio State Repower America campus coordinator.  “I hope he sees something of value in my resume and takes stake of the talent and innovation of the young people of Ohio.