Federally-funded career development program for Social Security disability beneficiaries ages 18 through 64 who want to work. Provides free employment services to help participants decide if working is right for them, prepare for work, find a job, or maintain success while working. Participants receive services such as career counseling, vocational rehabilitation, and job placement and training from authorized Ticket to Work service providers, such as Employment Networks (EN) or your State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agency.
(866) 968-7842 or (866) 833-2967 TTY
choosework.ssa.gov
Non-profit behavioral healthcare agency providing alcohol and drug treatment, licensed counseling, domestic violence education and intervention programs, and support services for families affected by addiction. They also offer a summer camp, UCANN Serve and UCANN Lead programs for ages 11-17 to experience mentorship and civic engagement, Urban GEMS science and gardening after-school program for ages 12-19, and awards two scholarships per year for youth ages 17-22 pursuing higher education. The organization was founded by and centers the African community but serves all regardless of race, gender, disability, or economic status.
1409 East Livingstone Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 253-4448
apdsinc.org
A mentoring program for youth attending Independence, Walnut Ridge, Whitehall Yearling High Schools and teens who have had contact with the Juvenile Court system. They also offer homework help, life skills training, and workforce development programming.
4117 East Livingston Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43227
(614) 745-0007
all-that.org
Their One-to-One Friendship program creates social inclusion and friendships for people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities at middle and high schools, colleges, and online across Ohio. The Leadership Development program empowers people with and without IDD to become leaders, public speakers and advocates.
PO Box 45353, Westlake, Ohio 44145
(614) 928-3383
bestbuddies.org/ohio
Nationally-acclaimed club providing after-school and summer programming for youth 5-18. Programs are oriented around Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles, Character & Leadership, and Mental Health & Wellbeing. Club members have access to tutoring, gym space, teen-specific areas, field trips, career-readiness opportunities, and mentoring. Go online for a full list of locations, including Newark, 3 Marion Clubs, and 8 Columbus Clubs.
(614) 221-8830
bgccentralohio.org
Provides guidance and supportive services to young adults who left foster care in Ohio at ages 18, 19 or 20 as they transition to adulthood. They offer services in housing, education, employment and help youth with getting health insurance, finding a doctor or improving physical or mental health in any way.
Provides community and school based services for pregnant and parenting youth 12-24 years old. Services include help with healthcare, preventing subsequent pregnancy, housing, parenting skills, support groups, education, and employment assistance. They also house the Black Girls and Young Women’s Collective to advocate for equity and community.
Healthy Families Home-Visiting Program
Healthy Families Connection Services
500 South Front Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 884-4200
centerforhealthyfamilies.org
A division of AmeriCorps that brings together youth ages 18 to 24 for a year of full-time community service and leadership development. Participants work in local schools and may receive education awards, scholarships and paid stipends.
350 East First Avenue, Suite 250, Columbus, Ohio 43201
(614) 586-4520
cityyear.org/columbus
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
Workforce development initiative for youth ages 14-23. Participants gain real-world, paid work experience with City departments and local businesses. Youth development specialists provide linkage to support services and mentorship to ensure participants’ success. Go online for eligibility and application details.
columbusrecparks.com/youth-success/apps
A community‐based, non‐profit, advocacy organization that works to empower Black and urban communities through economic, educational and social progress with programs, classes and services.
788 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 257-6300
cul.org
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
Center offering equine-therapy and horse-assisted learning experiences to enrich lives. Programs include therapeutic riding for children and adults with special needs, Military Connections for military personnel and veterans, youth social-emotional learning, vocational training for young adults with special needs, and more.
1416 Reynoldsburg-New Albany Road, Blacklick, Ohio 43004
(614) 864-9500
dreamsonhorseback.org
Provides free interview and work-ready clothing, mentoring and career center resources (like professional development, computers with Microsoft software, printers and more) for Central Ohio women ages 16 and up. A referral is required to receive services.
1204 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43201
(614) 291-5420
dfscmh.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.
Provides free career training, job and post-secondary education assistance, industry-recognized certification and supportive services for young adults ages 16 and older. The programs are offered year-round at various locations around Columbus. These services are free to those that meet TANF and/or WIOA eligibility guidelines. Please call for eligibility determination.
100 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 221-3398, ext. 101
eckerd.org/region/oh
eckerd.org/workforce-development/programs
Serves: Preschoolers and Students ages 18-22 with special needs who have deferred their high school diploma.
The ESC offers multiple programs on the campuses at Columbus State Community College and The Ohio State University to create individualized transition plans for students and help them meet their career and lifestyle goals. Each program includes help with activities of daily living, hands-on experience at multiple work sites, on-campus, and in the community. They also host an Early Learning Peer Model Program with small group instruction for preschool-aged children. Find program details and application instructions online.
2080 Citygate Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43219
www.escco.org/Default.aspx
Helps immigrants and refugees from all countries establish roots and gain self-sufficiency in Central Ohio. They offer job training, resettlement support, mentoring, English language classes (ESL), after school tutoring for children, youth summer camps, case management for victims of domestic violence and much more.
4300 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43123.
(614) 252-5362
ethiotss.org
Offers career development service to teenagers preparing for success in the workforce, adults looking to further their careers and middle school students developing leadership skills that will propel them to successful careers. They also offer life coaching to help graduates along their career paths. Visit the website for contact information.
845 Claycraft Road, Suite F and G, Gahanna, Ohio 43240
(614) 804-6200
expandingvisions.net
Family Adolescent and Child Community Engagement Service (FACCES) is a non-profit providing support for families on the South side of Columbus. Programs include a free fresh market, urban gardening, cooking classes, family fitness classes, access to healthcare through OSU Wexner Medical Center Community Care Coach and family gatherings. FACCES Life Ready Urban Gardening Class is a free, weekly program for youth to learn about how to grow their own food, careers in agriculture, and environmental stewardship. Go online to register for programs and find upcoming events.
2515 Lockbourne Road, Columbus, OH 43207
(614) 319-6070 or (800) 464-0920
thefacces.org
A non-profit providing life-skills training, career exploration, college readiness, wellness management, and direct mentorship opportunities for girls, women, and families. Programs include summer overnight camp for girls grades 6-12, mentorship for girls ages 12-18, volunteering events, and professional development opportunities for women. The Femergy Center offers a space for professional and personal events, a co-working space, and Zen room for families and entrepreneurs.
49 South Grant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 653-8454
femergy.org
Trains young at-risk adults, typically ages 17-25 years old, for productive careers in the building trades. Training includes an introduction to the building trades, life-skills, and on-the-job training in rebuilding properties under the mentoring of partner contractors. Trainees get help obtaining full-time employment, then can rent and later purchase houses at below market rates.
4653 Trueman Boulevard, Suite 100, Hillard, Ohio 43206
(614) 581-4125
franklintonrising.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
Non-profit offering mediation, violence intervention services, and mentorship. Develops healthy conflict resolution styles and productive work skills to youths and adults with a history of violent behavior or previous incarceration. If you or someone you know has a problem or conflict in your community that could result in unnecessary violence, call them to see if they can help.
923 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 302-1640
haltviolence.org
This teaching garden is located in the Hilltop neighborhood of Columbus. They offer garden tours, field trip experiences and donation-based produce bags for pick-up. Hilltop families can sign up for a garden bed kit with everything needed to grow an edible garden in their backyard, including access to a Garden Mentor to help get the most from their garden. They also offer Garden Club (a free weekly after-school program for Grades K-6), Green Teens (a paid summer work program for youth ages 14-19) and a low-cost Summer Camp for ages 6-13.
67 South Highland Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43204
(614) 653-8263
Español: (614) 407-4540
highlandyouthgarden.org
Provides income-based case management services, emergency assistance services, financial services, computer literacy and workforce development programs. Most of the programs are for Franklin County residents living at or below 125% of the Federal Poverty Level. Visit the website or call for more information.
Southside: 711 Southwood Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43207
Westside: 4129 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43228
impactca.org
AMP website: jfs.franklincountyohio.gov/amp
Non-profit providing educational enrichment and youth development in Franklin County. They provide after-school programs at Bridge Gate Community School, Franklinton High, West High, New Albany High, Groveport-Madison High, Horizon Science Academy, The Charles School, and The Graham School. Programs are free for income-eligible families. Their Student Support Program provides hygiene items and food to students 16-21. The Summer Program provides paid work development experiences for Franklin County residents ages 16-21.
(614) 842-4993
leadthewaylearningacademy.org
This program is for low income youth, ages 16 through 24, who have dropped out of school or have graduated high school and need guidance on what direction to head in, such as military, college, trade school, workforce, etc. The program offers workforce development and educational services, as well as education support and career preparation for high school juniors and seniors. TOUCH also helping ex-offenders gain, through reentry services, the skills and confidence needed to obtain workforce and educational opportunities, participants may also receive access to housing and clothing assistance.
4040 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43213
(614) 338-8733
mcstouch.org
Job shadowing opportunities allow students to spend time with a healthcare professional, see the work duties performed, and observe interactions between staff and patient families. High school students cannot participate in hands-on care. All shadow and internships for high school students must be coordinated by the school. NCH also provides paid work opportunities for youth and young adults ages 16-24 during the summer season.
700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 355-0678
Paid Summer Work Experience: nationwidechildrens.org/about-us/population-health-and-wellness/healthy-neighborhoods-healthy-families/workforce-development/youth-employment-program
Shadowing Information: nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/courses-for-parents-and-kids/student-education-opportunities/job-shadowing-and-internships
Is the juvenile corrections system for the state of Ohio. DYS is statutorily mandated to confine felony offenders, ages 10 to 21. DYS is organized into several divisions that perform or support agency functions including legal services, community engagement and reentry, resources for families and more.
Central Office: 4545 Fisher Road, Suite D, Columbus, Ohio 43228
(614) 466-4314
dys.ohio.gov
Relink Resource Guide: relink.org
OSU College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences works with families, farmers, business owners, and community leaders to build better communities in Ohio. They offer soil testing kits, 4-H Youth Development Clubs, community courses on Urban Agriculture, Beginner’s Grant Writing, and Food Safety. Their Family & Consumer Sciences office offers nutrition and lifestyle resources including SNAP education, Dining with Diabetes, Food Preservation, and more.
2548 Carmack Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210
(614) 866-6900
franklin.osu.edu/home
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 free trauma-informed, culturally-relevant after-school and summer programs to help teens in Columbus City Schools reach their full potential. Programs include 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
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
A 8-week summer internship for 15-18 year old teens in the Columbus City School District to gain hands-on experience in urban farming. Participants receive a stipend for working in the Franklin Park Conservatory Community Garden, and sell the produce they grow at the Conservatory’s Farmer’s Market. Students learn about horticulture, the environment, entrepreneurship, and communication. Students must apply online and be selected to participate. Transportation is not provided.
Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
1777 East Broad Street Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 715-8034
fpconservatory.org/education-programs/outreach-programs/teen-corps
Empowers youth in Columbus through equity and justice, bridge building, empowerment, belonging and fun. Programs include Guns DOWN group for ages 13-24 to heal from trauma and prevent violence, Unleashing Potential for ages 18-24 navigating the criminal justice system, and Summer Workforce for ages 14-24 to gain paid work and community service opportunities. Call for details.
(614) 323-9297
tmlyouth.org
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
Offers skilled trades programs to empower youth in Columbus, Ohio. The Project Genesis Program is a paid, 4-week summer internship for youth ages 14-18. Youth are matched with a worksite based on their area of interest and location, and gain hands-on experience working alongside industry professionals. The Gen II Gen is a 12-week program for youth ages 18-24 to receive job training, worksite experience, and a certification of completion to use for job placement. All programs are free for participants, and include a shirt, water bottle, and all tools needed for the worksite. Go online for program details and to register.
(614) 623-0561
tradesoffaith.org
Provides year-long entrepreneurship programs for students in grades 6-12. Students learn to generate business ideas, conduct market research, write business plans, pitch to real investors, and launch their very own companies. Students can participate in their local chapter for the chance to compete for cash prizes and scholarship funds at the annual Saunders Scholar competition. Ohio has two chapters.
Website for youth to find resources, opportunities, and inspiring stories that empower them to make a difference in their lives and in the world around them. The website has a searchable directory with opportunities across the country for internships, scholarships, professional development, and volunteering. The Topics section of the website has helpful toolkits, blog posts written by teens, and important information on topics like mental health, relationships, disabilities, foster care, finances, and more.
engage.youth.gov