Café and catering kitchen providing empowering survivors of sex trafficking in Central Ohio. Anyone can go online to view their Café Menu, place a Catering order, or purchase a gift card. Their programs include a 2 -year comprehensive workforce development program, CATCH Court Support for victims involved in the justice system, and affordable housing. The Butterfly Program is a peer-to-peer program for women healing from trauma and substance use disorder to work towards a GED or high school diploma, participate in counseling, receive assistance with paperwork, get record expungement, and other supports. They also offer community events, speaking engagements, and volunteer opportunities.
123 East Spring Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 92-3252
freedomalacart.org
The U.S. Department of State sponsors multiple programs for educational, cultural, and professional exchanges across the world. Full scholarships for youth are available.
High School Study Abroad: exchanges.state.gov/highschool
Offers free GED prep and ESL classes for adults, and basic skills literacy classes for adults, as well as vocational training programs (STNA, LPN, HVACR) at different sites throughout Franklin County.
2323 Lexington Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43211
Main Campus: (614) 365-6000
Aspire (GED & ESL): (380) 997-7633
ESL classes: (614) 365-8802
School of Practical Nursing: (380) 997-7617
Nurse Aide/STNA: (380) 997-7615
ESL Language Assistance Contact List: ccsoh.us/domain/213
ccsoh.us/Page/334
Provides a variety of services to ensure that identified children and youth experiencing homelessness have access to a free and appropriate public education. Services include help with school enrollment, transportation coordination, school supplies, and more. Go online for full program and eligibility details.
(614) 365-5140
ccsoh.us/Page/10778
Offers free adult education programs including literacy classes (including financial, workplace and technology literacy), citizenship classes, ESL, and GED test preparation. They also provide career coaching and entrepreneurship skill building, life and wellness coaching, supportive services for life transitions or re-entry to the community, and supportive services for immigrants and New Americans. Youth programs include tutoring and homework help, summer camps for children ages 7-13 years old, internships, and AMP career and mentorship program for youth and young adults ages 14-24 in Franklin County. Call for program details.
(614) 282-7661
clcworks.org
CML is an award-winning library and amazing resource in the community. With 23 locations throughout Franklin County, they provide a lot more than just books, including lots of free online resources, specialized programs, and community events.
(614) 645-2275
Locations: columbuslibrary.org/library-locations
columbuslibrary.org
Pre-college program for high school students to build resiliency and gain the tools needed to successfully apply to and complete a college program. The program includes individualized tutoring and content instruction, cultural and social activities, college tours, and participants can earn money for completing all elements of the program. Participants must be income-eligible 9th and 10th graders at East, Linden-McKinley, Mifflin, Northland, or Independence High School.
550 East Spring Street, Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 287-5353 or (614) 287-5340
cscc.edu/services/upwardbound
Columbus City Schools offers online courses through the Virtual Credit Advancement Program (VCAP). High school course offerings taught by certificated teachers are available to students, grades 9-12, who wish to earn credit toward graduation by an alternative means. Eligible students must live in the district and be 21 or younger but not earned enough credits to graduate.
Fort Hayes Campus, 546 Jack Gibbs Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 365-5485
ccsoh.us/Page/1252
Technical career center offering career readiness for school-aged kids, summer camp, and unique electives for high school students such as welding, computer programming, cosmetology, and more. They offer a GED program and classes for adults, such as Microsoft 365, ESOL, and Firefighting. They also offer Disabilities Support for individuals with disabilities under 22 years old.
4565 Columbus Pike, Delaware, Ohio 43015
(740) 548-0708
delawareareacc.org
Professional and educational learning center for adults ages 18+. Students are not charged for tutorial services, but those who are financially able are asked to purchase basic texts and materials. Courses include English as a Second Language (ESL), GED high school equivalency in English or Spanish, Adult Basic Education for those looking to improve reading, writing, and math skills, and Citizenship Test Preparation.
672 South Third Street, Columbus, Ohio 43206
(614) 444-7330
domlearningcenter.org
Offers tuition-free programs for high school juniors and seniors in Franklin, Fairfield, and Pickaway counties with programs like automotive, cosmetology, graphic design, pre-nursing and more. Programs for adults include GED, ESOL, STNA, Welding, HVAC, and help finding a job. They offer a free summer camp for students grades 6-8 to explore career options. The Employability Prep program for students ages 16-21 with learning differences offers hands-on job experience and soft skills training.
This website provides support, guidance, resources and job search help for anyone who needs help to learning to read, preparing for the high school equivalency tests (GED) or learning the English language. There are also other adult learning assistance information available.
(877) 389-6874
finishyourdiploma.org
Offers free adult education classes (GED preparation, ESOL, job training, computer skills), community engagement programs, and youth programming (after school homework help, mentoring, summer programs, and TEEN career exploration program).
195 North Grant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 294-5476
godmanguild.org
Nature center providing vital education services in downtown Columbus, Ohio. The center is pet-friendly, public space and admission is always free. They host regular STEAM programming and events for all ages, including bird walks, preschool story time, and art shows. They offer day summer camps for grades PreK-6, with limited scholarships available.
505 West Whittier Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 545-5475
grange.audubon.org
Provides students in recovery from substance use disorders with a recovery-centered education and a safe and supportive environment. Heartland High School is a private school that provide education to students in grades 9-12 and under the age of 22; they award graduates with a state-recognized diploma. Visit the website for contact information.
Broad Street Presbyterian Church
760 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 947-1115
heartlandhighschool.org
Current high school students whose home school district is Columbus City Schools Linden-McKinley STEM Academy, South or Marion-Franklin High can access homework help, cultural field trips, college tours, test prep, and career exposure year-round. The summer experience is a six-week program offering college preparation, internship opportunities, and more. This program is free for eligible students. Visit the website for more information and how to apply.
700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205
nationwidechildrens.org/upwardbound
Outlines information on courses students must take and tests they must pass to graduate with a diploma from an Ohio high school.
25 South Front Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(740) 703-5844 or (216) 544-6564
education.ohio.gov/Topics/Ohio-Graduation-Requirements
This site has information on getting a GED, including testing centers and preparation classes. Also, they offer information about Adult Diploma Programs which provides job training and for adults, ages 22 or older to earn industry credentials, and an alternative way to earn a high school diploma.
25 South Front Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(877) 644-6338
education.ohio.gov/Topics/Testing/Ohio-Options-for-Adult-Diploma
Free program for income-eligible Columbus City high school students. Accepted students can access year-round tutoring, test prep, career development services, and more. The Summer Institute is a 6-week program that includes coursework, career day, college visits, and the opportunity to take actual college courses at OSU for college credit. First-generation and/or eligible 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students who attend or live in the service areas of Briggs, East, South, or Walnut Ridge High Schools are highly encouraged to apply.
(614) 292-1896
odi.osu.edu/upward-bound
Free employment services for all ages, working and unemployed. The website has articles with tips for job searching, free online training modules for math and reading, GED prep, and computer skills; and resources for veterans, senior citizens, and previously incarcerated people. Job Centers offer help finding a job, free access to computer lab, technology training, help for employers, and more. Services and availability vary by location, use the website to find a Job Center near you.
Columbus-Franklin County Job Center:
1111 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 559-5052
omjcfc.org
Ohio Means Jobs Main Website: ohiomeansjobs.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/omj/home
Provides a variety of programs designed to strengthen families on the South Side of Columbus. Services include GED classes, adult education and workforce development, early education child care, youth and family services, in collaboration with community partners (Boys & Girls Club, House of Hope, Southeast Healthcare Services, Godman Guild, St. Stephen’s Community Center, Alvis, Community Development for All People).
280 Reeb Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43207
(614) 468-9280
reebavenuecenter.org
Junior and senior students can take classes toward graduation that include academic knowledge and technical skills. They also offer GED, ESL and other adult education programs. Visit the website for program details.
4750 Big Run South Road, Grove City, Ohio 43123
(614) 801-3400
swcsdcareertech.com
Columbus, faith-based non-profit offering free adult education, GED classes, job search support, homebuyer and small business workshops, and mental health awareness.
640 South Ohio Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 547-2171
stjohnlearning.wordpress.com
Faith-based organization serving refugees in Columbus. They offer English classes from basic conversation skills up to Grade 5. They also have one-on-one tutoring for students in elementary, middle school, and high school. Classes are held at various locations in Columbus. Go online or call for details.
(614) 272-2949
thebridge.io
Career and technical school serving Dublin, Fairbanks, Jonathan Alder, Hilliard, London, Madison-Plains, and Jefferson Local school districts. Offers free adult and continuing education opportunities for ESL, GED, STNA and EMT, and more professional training programs.
7877 U.S. Highway 42 South, Plain City, Ohio 43064
(614) 873-4666
tollestech.com