Greensboro convention brings ideas for keeping young talent local

A three-day convention in Greensboro this week looked at ways to keep talented college students in the local workforce after they graduate.

The national Young, Smart and Local conference brought business leaders from cities across the country to the University of North Carolina at Greensboro to discuss different ways to retain talent.

Cecelia Thompson is executive director of Action Greensboro, an economic development organization that works with the Chamber of Commerce. Among its programs is Campus Greensboro, which connects students from the city’s colleges to local employers.

Thompson says a New Orleans program might also work here. It takes first-generation students from the city’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities and not only provides them internships but also social support.

“We have a somewhat similar model in Greensboro ingrained in our Campus Greensboro program," she says. "But these really intentional, laser-focused programs that are supporting underserved populations is something ... certainly of interest.”

Thompson says the landscape of work is changing and companies are facing challenges involving remote work and flexible schedules.