Businesses Step In as School Funding Gaps Threaten Student Readiness
Garfield Heights, OH - February 18, 2026
School districts across Ohio continue to face significant funding shortfalls, forcing difficult decisions that often reduce or eliminate programming critical to student development beyond core academics. Leadership training, career exploration, and workforce readiness initiatives are frequently among the first programs impacted, leaving students underprepared for life after graduation.
To help address this growing gap, the Effective Leadership Academy (ELA) created its Cornerstone Partnership model, inviting businesses to invest directly in students by partnering with a school district of their choice. ORG, an Investment Management firm headquartered in Cleveland, is the first official Cornerstone Partner setting the standard for how private-sector leadership can directly support public education.
On Wednesday, February 18 at 9:00 a.m., ORG will present a $50,000 Cornerstone Partnership check to the Effective Leadership Academy in support of the Garfield Heights City School District and Superintendent Dr. Richard Reynolds at the Garfield Heights Civic Center hosted by Mayor Matt Burke. The investment will fund ELA leadership and career readiness programming for middle and high school students over a two-year period.
In just one year of programming made possible by ORG Holdings’ gift, 337 Garfield Heights students have already participated in ELA initiatives, including:
- 190 eighth-grade students in Career Pathways programming
- 125 sixth-grade students in Pathways to Success
- 22 high school students in the Career Leadership Academy
These programs provide structured leadership development, career exploration, and workforce readiness training that equip students with the skills and confidence needed for success after graduation.
“This is what happens when education and business come together with a shared purpose,” said Mayor Burke. “Our students benefit today, and our community benefits tomorrow.”
ORG principals, Jonathan Berns and Ed Schwartz, selected Garfield Heights City Schools for this partnership, recognizing the district’s commitment to preparing students for meaningful futures and the importance of strengthening the local workforce pipeline.
The check presentation will take place during ELA’s Career Leadership Academy training day, which focuses on Civil Service career opportunities alongside ELA’s leadership development curriculum. Students will gain exposure to career pathways while building essential skills such as self-awareness, communication, accountability, and decision-making.
About the Cornerstone Partnership
The Cornerstone Partnership is a long-term investment model designed to create sustained impact. Rather than a one-time donation, partners commit funding that allows schools to plan, implement, and grow leadership and career readiness programming over multiple years.
For donors, the partnership provides:
- A direct investment in the future workforce
- Meaningful community impact aligned with business values
- A visible commitment to education, leadership, and opportunity
For schools and students, the partnership delivers:
- Access to high-quality leadership development programming
- Career exploration and workforce readiness
- Consistent support without additional financial burden to the district
Through this collaboration, ORG and ELA are helping ensure that Garfield Heights students are equipped with the skills, confidence, and direction needed to succeed in college, careers, and civic life.
Event Details
What: Cornerstone Partnership Check Presentation
When: Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 9:00 a.m.
Where: Garfield Heights Civic Center: 5407 Turney Road, Garfield Heights, OH 44125
Who: ORG, Effective Leadership Academy, Garfield Heights City Schools, Mayor Matt Burke
Occasion: ELA Career Readiness Academy Training Day on Civil Service Careers and Leadership Development
Point of Contact:
Melanie Twomey
Advancement Director
Effective Leadership Academy
