JPMorgan Chase Invests Millions in Central Ohio Workforce Development

Bank focuses on helping low-to-moderate income residents access high-demand jobs

Apr. 7, 2026 at 2:53pm

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring a stack of job training certificates, a laptop, and a hardhat, symbolizing the workforce development initiatives funded by JPMorgan Chase's investment in Ohio.JPMorgan Chase's multimillion-dollar investment in central Ohio's workforce development aims to create lasting economic opportunity for residents and strengthen the state's competitiveness in key industries.Columbus Today

JPMorgan Chase is donating $4.5 million to various organizations across Ohio to strengthen the state's workforce and create economic opportunities, particularly for low-to-moderate income residents. The bank is primarily focused on helping people access jobs in high-demand sectors like healthcare, IT, manufacturing, and construction through initiatives like paid training, transportation assistance, and career coaching.

Why it matters

As Ohio's job market continues to evolve, with 75% of projected growth in roles requiring post-secondary credentials, JPMorgan Chase's investment aims to ensure more residents can access the skills and support needed to secure well-paying jobs and achieve economic mobility.

The details

JPMorgan Chase is donating $2.7 million to several central Ohio organizations, including the National Center for Urban Solutions, Columbus Urban League, Jewish Family Services, the Godman Guild Association, Impact Community Action, and Goodwill Industries of Central Ohio. An additional $1.3 million will go to organizations in Cleveland and Cincinnati, and $500,000 will support the statewide education advocacy group Ohio Excels. The bank's initiatives will provide paid training, transportation assistance, sector-specific education, and career coaching to help low-to-moderate income Ohioans access high-demand jobs.

  • JPMorgan Chase announced the $4.5 million investment on April 7, 2026.

The players

JPMorgan Chase

The largest bank in the United States, which employs nearly 20,000 people in central Ohio.

Kate Donovan Morgan

Head of Ohio for J.P. Morgan Private Bank and chair of the Ohio Market Leadership Team at JPMorgan Chase.

Lisa Gray

President of Ohio Excels, a statewide education advocacy group founded by Ohio business organizations.

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What they’re saying

“Ohio is at the heart of JPMorganChase's mission to create a stronger economy. By investing in workforce development, we are helping create lasting economic opportunity for Ohioans, ensuring that the state and its residents remain competitive in industries critical to our future.”

— Kate Donovan Morgan, Head of Ohio for J.P. Morgan Private Bank and chair of the Ohio Market Leadership Team at JPMorgan Chase

“Ohio's workforce thrives when business, education, and community leaders work together. We applaud JPMorgan Chase for its longstanding dedication to investing in Ohio's workforce and for supporting innovative solutions that will benefit communities across our state for years to come.”

— Lisa Gray, President of Ohio Excels

What’s next

JPMorgan Chase's investment in Ohio's workforce development is part of a broader, long-term commitment to the state. The bank plans to continue working with local organizations and community leaders to identify and address evolving workforce needs.

The takeaway

JPMorgan Chase's multi-million dollar investment in Ohio's workforce development underscores the critical role that public-private partnerships can play in ensuring more residents, particularly those from low-to-moderate income backgrounds, can access the skills and support needed to secure well-paying jobs in high-demand sectors and achieve economic mobility.