History of Propel Ohio
Propel Ohio was launched in 2015 by former U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown, rooted in his enduring commitment to civic engagement, equitable opportunity, and participatory democracy. From its very first summit in Columbus, the program has embodied Senator Brown’s belief that young people must be empowered to shape their communities and the future of Ohio.
Over the past decade, Propel Ohio has grown into a signature statewide leadership event, drawing students from colleges, universities, and career and technical schools to explore pressing issues, forge networks, and take action. Through keynote speakers, interactive workshops, and facilitated dialogue, Propel continues to reflect Senator Brown’s values: listening to diverse voices, bridging divides, and building institutions that uplift every Ohioan.
Today, Community Campus Coalition is honored to continue Senator Brown’s vision by leading Propel Ohio into its next decade. With gratitude for his leadership and the foundation he built, we remain committed to empowering emerging leaders, fostering dialogue, and strengthening civic engagement across Ohio’s campuses and communities.
Registration Open for Propel Ohio 2025
Join Us at Propel Ohio on October 16!
Community Campus Coalition (Triple C) is excited to announce that registration for Propel Ohio 2025 is now open!
This year’s summit focuses on Leading with Dialogue: Building Bridges Across Differences and will take place on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at Bowling Green State University. Check-in begins at 8:30 am, with programming starting at 9:30 am and concluding at 4 pm.
What’s New
Students no longer need to apply individually. Instead, each campus is responsible for selecting and registering its student participants.
Registration Limits
- Triple C members in good standing: up to 5 students + 1 administrator
- Non-members: up to 2 students + 1 administrator
Not sure of your membership status or need to renew? Contact Triple C to confirm.
How to Register
College presidents received registration details directly from Triple C. To ensure your campus is included, please connect with your president or email us at admin@communitycampuscoalition.org.
Why Attend
- For Students: Connect with peers from across Ohio through interactive sessions and inspiring speakers.
- For Administrators: Network with colleagues and explore strategies to strengthen civic engagement on campus.
Event Details
Date: Thursday, October 16, 2025
Time: 8:30 am to 4 pm
Location: Bowling Green State University
Cost: Free
Propel Ohio Schedule & Session Titles
| Time | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 8:30 – 9:30 AM | Registration & Continental Breakfast | Check-in and enjoy a light breakfast before the day begins. |
| 9:30 – 9:45 AM | Welcome | Kicking Off the 10th Annual Propel Ohio Student Leadership Conference |
| 9:45 – 10:30 AM | Keynote & Q&A | Former U.S. Senator and Propel Founder, Sherrod Brown: A Decade of Impact: Student Leadership and the Future of Ohio |
| 10:30 – 10:45 AM | Break / Transition | — |
| 10:45 – 11:45 AM | Student Track I | Civic Roundtable (Roundtable) |
| 10:45 – 11:45 AM | Administrator Track I | Bill Froehlich: Divided Community Project: A Division on Campus Simulation (Activity) |
| 11:45 – 12:00 PM | Lunch Buffet Opens | — |
| 12:00 – 1:15 PM | Luncheon Panel | Former Ohio Attorney General, Betty Montgomery and Former Ohio Congressman, Zack Space: Beyond Party Lines: Working Together for the Public Good (Panel) |
| 1:15 – 1:30 PM | Break / Transition | — |
| 1:30 – 2:30 PM | Student Track II | My Experiences, My Perspective |
| 1:30 – 2:30 PM | Administrator Track II | Beyond Access: Engaging the Full Diversity of Today’s Students (Panel) |
| 2:30 – 2:45 PM | Break / Transition | — |
| 2:45 – 3:30 PM | Student Track III | Choose one: Day in the Life of a Poll Worker, Just Vote, or Designing Your Campus (Project) |
| 2:45 – 3:30 PM | Administrator Track III | From Learning to Leading: Creating Action Plans for Student Engagement (Working Group) |
| 3:30 – 4:00 PM | Closing Reflection | Leadership in Practice: What Will You Carry Forward? |
We look forward to welcoming students and administrators from across Ohio for this year’s Propel Ohio!
Thank you to our past partners for hosting the Propel Ohio Collegiate Leadership Summit!
2025: Bowling Green State University
2024: University of Dayton
2023: Case Western Reserve University
2022: Columbus State Community College (Virtual)
2021: Columbus State Community College (Virtual)
2019: Bowling Green State University
2018: Cleveland State University
2017: University of Akron
2016: University of Dayton
2015: The Ohio State University