A nine-month leadership program for youth entering grades 6-9, who are residents of the City of Columbus. Participants receive mentorship from city leaders and improve teamwork, public speaking, community awareness, and leadership skills. Participants must complete the application with recommendation letters and be available for monthly meet-ups during the school year. Applications typically open in May.
Jerry Hammond Center: 1111 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 645-0886
columbusrecparks.com/youth-success/city-leaders-academy
Non-profit preparing high school students from underserved communities for careers in the legal profession. They provide a year-round, four-year-long program which includes academic programming, a legal internship, ACT/SAT prep, college visits and application help, and moot court competition. The program is free and students are provided bus passes and lunch. They also offer trainings for professionals, a Summer Institute experience, and a Diversity in Leadership Undergraduate Fellowship. Programs are available in Columbus, Akron, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dayton and Toledo.
Home Office: 303 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 236-6305
lawandleadership.org
Provides rising high school juniors and seniors with an opportunity to get an inside look at working in Ohio law and government. Selected students serve a one-year term to advise the Attorney General on issues related to teens, collaborate with others to develop solutions, attend meetings, professional presentations, and community events. Applications generally open in late spring and are due in summer.
30 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(800) 282-0515
ohioattorneygeneral.gov/State-and-Local-Government/Schools/Teen-Ambassador-Board
Summer program for high school students interested in business, entrepreneurship, and career exploration. Students stay on a college campus for one week. Daily activities revolve around small group “companies” where students develop a unique service or product to solve a real-world business problem with peers. Students also hear from consultants and professionals throughout the week, and pitch their ideas to prospective investors. Need-based financial aid is available, contact the organization for financial assistance.
583 Franklin Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 488-6327
ohiobusinessweek.org
A summer learning program for high school students through The Ohio State University Department of Philosophy. Campers explore philosophical concepts through guest lectures, interactive discussions, debates, media, and games. Inability to pay should not prohibit students from attending the camp, and need-based financial aid is available.
(614) 292-7914
philosophy.osu.edu/pact
Provides free trauma-informed, culturally-relevant after-school and summer programs to help teens in Franklin County reach their full potential. Programs include paid job skill & training opportunities, one-on-one mentorship and leadership training, and teen nights. They also host events for parents and community members. Go online to apply.
(614) 342-0505
ruurbanlegends.org
A two-week program for rising high school juniors from Southeast Ohio to develop core critical legal skills, gain experience interacting with legal professionals, and learn about transitioning to college. Selected students have daily interactions with lawyers, judges, and Ohio University faculty, and develop knowledge and skills that will prepare them for collegiate study. The program is free of charge. Go online for full program details and application instructions.
1 Ohio University, Athens, Ohio 45701
(740) 593-0835
ohio.edu/cas/law-center/about/summer-institute
A paid summer work experience for 15-18 year-olds to gain hands-on experience in urban farming. Participants receive a stipend for working in the Franklin Park Conservatory Community Garden for 8 weeks, and sell the produce they grow at the Conservatory’s Farmer’s Market. Students learn about gardening, cooking, customer service, and more. Participants must have a Columbus address or attend at Columbus City School to qualify, and complete an application and interview process.
Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens: 1777 East Broad Street Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 715-8000
fpconservatory.org/education-programs/outreach-programs/teen-corps
A week-long experience for two high school juniors or seniors from each state to see national government in action each spring. Students meet with senators, cabinet members, officials from the Departments of State and Defense, directors of other federal agencies and more in Washington, D.C.. All transportation, hotel and meal expenses are provided for. In addition, each delegate will also be awarded a $10,000 college scholarship. Students must apply with a letter of recommendation and demonstrated leadership experience.
Ohio Website: education.ohio.gov/Topics/Other-Resources/Scholarships/US-Senate-Youth-Program
National Website: ussenateyouth.org