Dayton, Ohio – Montgomery County has officially launched a new online Youth Portal designed to make it easier for young people and their families to find programs, jobs, internships, volunteer opportunities and leadership experiences available throughout the county.
The launch was accompanied by the unveiling of a new visual identity created through Montgomery County’s first Youth Logo Design Contest. Young artists between the ages of 16 and 24 were invited to submit ideas that could become the public face of youth programming across the community.
County officials formally revealed the new Youth Portal and winning logo during Tuesday’s Board of County Commissioners meeting. The three young designers who finished at the top of the contest were also recognized.
The winning design came from Gavin Amspaugh, a 23-year-old student at the Modern College of Design. His logo will now serve as the main visual symbol of the Youth Portal and its programs.
Commission President Carolyn Rice said the design will have an important role as the county continues expanding opportunities for younger residents.
“We’re thrilled about how this logo will shape our initiative for years to come. It will not only represent our mission but also inspire future generations to engage with our programs,” Commission President Carolyn Rice said. “When young people share their creativity and vision, that’s exactly the kind of leadership and inspiration that will continue moving our county forward.”
New portal puts youth opportunities in one place
The Youth Portal was created as a central location where young people and their families can discover resources and opportunities offered through Montgomery County.
Rather than requiring residents to search in several different places, the portal brings together programs related to career exploration, leadership development, community participation and employment.
Among the opportunities included are YouthWorks and Leadership Dayton. Young people can also learn about volunteer experiences available through county services, including Environmental Services and the Animal Resource Center.
Internships and employment resources are another part of the portal, giving young residents a place to explore opportunities that could help them develop skills and prepare for future careers.
The county connected the portal’s development with its first Youth Logo Design Contest, which was organized around the theme “This Is What Youth Power Looks Like.”
By inviting people ages 16 through 24 to participate, county leaders sought to ensure that young residents had a direct role in deciding how the initiative would be presented visually.
Amspaugh’s submission was ultimately chosen because of its originality and its clear representation of the energy and goals behind the Youth Portal.
Winning logo represents growth and community
Amspaugh incorporated Montgomery County’s existing brand colors into his design. At its center is a stylized “YP” mark representing youth programming and the Youth Portal.
Several individual elements within the logo carry additional meaning.
Three figures appear together inside the letter “P,” representing community and connections between people. Another figure moves forward on a central path between the letters, symbolizing personal growth and new opportunities.
Curved lines appearing above the design are intended to communicate celebration and forward movement.
Amspaugh’s inspiration also came from a deeply personal experience. After losing a close friend to suicide in 2020, he wanted to develop a design centered on belonging, connection and the possibility of moving forward. Those ideas also closely matched the values Montgomery County wanted the new portal to represent.
“I believe inclusion, acceptance and community go hand in hand with the power of young people. The themes of growth, community and possibility naturally came together as I developed this logo. I believe there is no better way for a community to thrive than by coming together, and that starts with empowering today’s youth leaders.”
For winning the contest, Amspaugh received an iPad and a $250 United Art and Education gift certificate. County officials also presented him with a proclamation recognizing his achievement during Tuesday’s meeting.
Two other young designers were honored for their submissions.
Second and third place went to 22-year-old Danyell Hamilton and 16-year-old Ja’Mya Miller. Each received a $100 United Art and Education gift certificate as well as a personalized proclamation.
The contest prizes were provided through a partnership with the Dayton Foundation.
County Administrator Michael Colbert said one of the notable parts of the selection process was the similarity in the larger ideas expressed by the leading submissions, even though the young artists developed their designs independently.
“Our young people are leaders, innovators and creators who are already shaping the future of this community. What stood out in this process is that the top designs all independently reflected people coming together and moving toward a brighter future,” County Administrator Michael Colbert said. “That shared vision is exactly what this Youth Portal represents—stronger connections, greater access to resources and more opportunities for the next generation across Montgomery County.”
With the portal now launched and its new logo selected, Montgomery County is giving youth programming a single identity and online destination. The initiative is intended to connect more young people with opportunities that can help them gain experience, participate in their communities, develop leadership abilities and prepare for employment.
The contest also gave local youth a role beyond simply using the new resource. By asking them to help create its identity, Montgomery County placed their ideas at the center of the project from its beginning, with Amspaugh’s winning design now set to represent the initiative for years to come.
