Cleveland Courts Young Talent with Affordable Housing and Job Prospects

Cleveland is making a concerted effort to retain its college graduates, and it's using College Fest as one of the key tools in this strategy.

The event, which took place at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, brought together hundreds of recruiters from companies such as Progressive Insurance, Sherwin-Williams, and The J.M. Smucker Co., along with nearly 900 students looking for entry-level jobs.

Baiju Shah, CEO of Greater Cleveland Partnership, explained that just five years ago, most of the region's 190,000 college students left after graduation. Now, just over half stay.

Recruiters like Hannah Walsh from Park Place IT firm are not only pitching their companies but also trying to sell the city itself. 'Cleveland is a great place to be,' she said. 'I think it's a very affordable city. I think we have a lot to offer when it comes to good people, the Rock Hall, good music, arts, culture, things like that.'

Cleveland State freshmen Catherine Long and Kaylee McDermott seem to be buying into this pitch. Both are on scholarships that encourage them to stay in Ohio, and they're optimistic about their job prospects.