Photo submitted to the Times Observer Pictured are John Papalia and Tanner Lookenhouse, a TANF intern here and Marketing Class student.

A new community initiative called “This is Your Hometown” is being launched to help graduating seniors stay connected with Warren County whether they stay in the county, leave for college, move away for work or other opportunities.

The campaign, led by the Warren-Forest Higher Education Council in partnership with the Warren County Career Center Marketing Class, aims to build a bridge between local graduates and their hometown by sharing job openings, housing opportunities, and community news twice a year.

“This effort is all about reminding our young people that Warren County will always be home,” said John Papalia, executive director of the Warren Forest Higher Education Council. “Whether they’re heading off to college, entering the workforce, joining the military, we want to keep them connected, and show them there are opportunities waiting for them here.”

In a unique collaboration, students from the Warren County Career Center’s Marketing Class will play a hands-on role in developing and promoting the campaign.

They’ll gain real-world experience in marketing, communications, and community engagement by helping to design outreach materials, create digital content, and manage campaign promotion.

“This partnership gives our students the chance to take what they’re learning in the classroom and apply it to a real community project,” said Cathie Cummings, marketing instructor at the Warren County Career Center. “It’s exciting to see them take ownership of something that will continue to grow each year.”

The collaboration will make “This is Your Hometown” an ongoing annual campaign, with each year’s Marketing Class helping expand its reach and refine its message. Graduating seniors from across the county will be invited to complete a short form to stay in touch.

Participants will receive two updates per year featuring:

– Local job and internship opportunities

– Housing and community development updates

– Event information and volunteer opportunities

– Success stories from graduates who have stayed or returned home

Materials will incorporate the new Warren County Brand created through the Warren Worx Initiative.

“It doesn’t matter where life takes them next, we just want them to know we’ll always be here,” Papalia added. “Home doesn’t stop being home when you leave. Our goal is to make sure that there is always a path for them to be here now or in the future. The Warren County School District continues to build young talent each year; this partnership will allow us to build off that strength each year. We see continued partnerships for materials such as video creation with the STEM class and other programs within the district. This is just the start of something we hope continues for years to come. It’s about investing in our youth, keeping in touch, and showing that Warren County is a place to build a future.”