Nine students will graduate from the Building Leaders to Build Community (BLBC) course at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 20 at the Clark State Sara T. Landess Technology and Learning Center. The BLBC courses were held at Clark State in partnership with the Ohio Air National Guard, the Clark County Prosecuting Attorney's office, Clark County Job & Family Services, the City of Springfield and the Springfield Promise Neighborhood.

“The Building Leaders to Build Community Program is designed to develop the ability of Springfield residents to become neighborhood connectors,” said Duane Hodge, director of workforce development and sales for Clark State. “Neighborhood connectors are agents of change that rebuild the city blocks and neighborhoods where they live as great places to live, work and play.”

The BLBC course is open to Springfield residents who are at least 18 years of age and want to improve their neighborhood. The graduating students attended 18 hours of class instruction and completed required assignments in their neighborhoods.

“We know such work helps to decrease criminal activity and increase the quality of life for residents,” said Community Coordinator Eric Smith who also teaches the course.

Smith said the goal of the course is to equip and support a network of resident leaders dedicated to rebuilding the fabric of community in Springfield starting with their block. Each graduate will receive a non-credit certificate of completion from Clark State and Springfield Promise Neighborhood.

For information about the next Building Leaders to Build Community class, contact Eric Smith at (937) 926-3444 or eric@thinktank-inc.org.