Lake Erie College Launches Center for Nonprofit & Civic Engagement

Lake Erie College has announced the launch of its new Center for Nonprofit & Civic Engagement, a community-focused initiative designed to strengthen nonprofit organizations, civic institutions, and the people who lead them across the region.

The Center will serve as a hub for professional development, leadership training, civic education, workforce preparation, and applied learning. By connecting nonprofit professionals, civic leaders, students, and community partners, the initiative aims to enhance organizational effectiveness, support workforce development, and reinforce the College’s role as a trusted partner in advancing the public good.

The Center is led by Amy Sabath, Executive Director of Career Services & Workforce Development and Nonprofit & Civic Engagement, who guides its strategic direction and oversees programming designed to connect education with real-world impact.

“Nonprofit and civic organizations are facing increasingly daunting and complex challenges—from leadership transitions to workforce shortages,” said Jennifer N. Schuller, president of Lake Erie College. “This Center reflects our commitment to supporting those organizations while preparing our students to lead with purpose, integrity, and real-world experience.”

The Center for Nonprofit & Civic Engagement addresses a growing need for accessible training, collaboration, and support within the nonprofit and public sectors. It will provide a centralized platform for learning and engagement while helping students and emerging professionals pursue meaningful, purpose-driven careers.

Core program areas of the Center include:

• Leadership, Governance, and Organizational Effectiveness: Practitioner-led support in strategic planning, board development, organizational assessments, and leadership coaching.

• Executive and Peer Learning Networks: CEO and executive director advisory groups, quarterly collaboration meetings, and advancement-focused roundtables.

• Facilitation and Consulting Services: Professional facilitation and short-term consulting for nonprofit boards, leadership teams, and community organizations.

• Civic Engagement and Public Service Education: Training on ethics, governance, compliance, public policy, and civic leadership topics.

• Executives in Residence Program: Experienced nonprofit and civic leaders will mentor students, support organizations, and provide real-world insight through teaching, advising, and applied projects.

• Education, Workforce Development, and Career Pathways: Internships, applied-learning opportunities, and career development initiatives connecting students with nonprofit and civic careers.

• Networking and Information Sharing: Community convenings, a regional nonprofit events calendar, and a bi-monthly newsletter featuring job opportunities and sector resources.

Housed at Lake Erie College, the Center will play a key role in advancing the institution’s mission by expanding hands-on learning opportunities for students, strengthening partnerships with employers and community organizations, and positioning the College as a leader in nonprofit and civic engagement.

The Center is guided by an advisory board of regional leaders, including Mike Benz, Dennis Eckart, Morris Beverage Jr., and Brent Buckley, alongside President Schuller.

“I’ve spent my career in and alongside nonprofit organizations, and I understand both the complexity of the work and the critical role these leaders play in our communities,” said Center director Amy Sabath. “This Center is designed to provide practical support, meaningful connections, and real-world learning opportunities that strengthen organizations while preparing the next generation of leaders.”

For more information about the Center for Nonprofit & Civic Engagement, please contact Amy Sabath at asabath@lec.edu.