Columbus OH
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Programs for Teens & Young Adults

Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) Vocational Apprentice Program

Provides students and adults with disabilities the chance to gain work exposure and experience through paid apprenticeships with state agencies. Apprentices may be able to secure permanent employment in state government after the completion of the apprenticeship program, and that’s the goal of this program.
150 East Campus View Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43235
(614) 306-1744
ood.ohio.gov/about-us/programs-and-partnerships/ohio-vocational-apprentice-program

All THAT (Teens Hopeful About Tomorrow)

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

Boys & Girls Clubs of Columbus

Serves youth ages 6 through 18 from across the city. For a low cost, the nationally-acclaimed club provides members with access to after-school and summer programming oriented around three pillars: Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles, and Character & Leadership. Club members have access to tutoring, gym space, teen-specific areas, field trips, career-readiness opportunities and mentoring.

  • Administrative Offices
    1000 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201
    (614) 221-8830
  • J. Ashburn Jr. Clubhouse
    85 Clarendon Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43223
    (614) 221-8830, ext. 203
  • KIPP Clubhouse
    2900 Inspire Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43224
  • Livingston Clubhouse
    825 East Livingston Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43205
  • Milo-Grogan Clubhouse
    1012 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201
    (614) 294-4366
  • South Side Clubhouse
    280 Reeb Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43207
    (614) 468-9299
  • Newark Club
    96 Maholm Street, Newark, Ohio 43055

bgccentralohio.org

Bridges to Success

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.

  • Central Region
    (614) 568-9428
    Counties:  Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Hardin, Hocking, Jackson, Knox, Licking, Logan, Madison, Marion, Morrow, Pickaway, Ross, Union, Vinton
  • Southeast Region
    (614) 869-3889
    Counties:  Athens, Belmont, Carroll, Coshocton, Gallia, Guernsey, Harrison, Holmes, Jefferson, Lawrence, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Tuscarawas, Washington

bridgestosuccess.jfs.ohio.gov

Central Ohio Youth for Christ (COYFC)

A faith-based organization that offers free programs for youth on the West Side of Columbus. Some programs include:

  • City Life: Offers free group meetings, mentoring relationships, free childcare and other support for teen moms, job and life skills training and financial literacy for teens.
  • HireLevel Auto: Teaches teens how to perform automobile maintenance and repairs. Donated cars are repaired under the supervision of a certified mechanic.
  • Point Break: Facilitates anti-bullying seminars for area high schools. This evidence-based program is highly effective in helping teens develop compassion for each other.
  • Juvenile Justice Ministries: Offer spiritual counseling sessions and small interactive chapel services for incarcerated youth at multiple juvenile detention centers.

PO Box 14804, Columbus, Ohio 43214
(614) 848-4870
coyfc.org

City Year Columbus

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

Columbus Literacy Council (CLC)

Offers free adult education programs, basic literacy classes (including financial, workplace and technology literacy) for families, citizenship classes and GED test preparation. They also provide career coaching and entrepreneurship skill building, life and wellness coaching, ASL (American Sign Language) classes, Spanish classes and more. For youth they offer tutoring and homework help, summer camps for children ages 7-13 years old, internships, and an employment program (called A.M.P.) that provides job skills and work experience to youth and young adults between the ages of 14-24 in Franklin County.

  • 92 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
  • 1394 Courtright Road, Columbus, Ohio 43227
  • 5825 Chantry Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43232

(614) 282-7661
clcworks.org

Columbus Urban League (CUL)

A community‐based, non‐profit, advocacy organization that works to empower African Americans and marginalized groups through economic, educational and social progress with programs, classes and services. Visit the website to learn more about the different programs that fall under these six categories:

788 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 257-6300
cul.org

Community for New Direction (CND)

Is a non-profit agency that provides services for adults and youth in three areas: prevention, intervention, and treatment. Their youth services include a Summer Day Camp, after-school program, and in-school program. They teach leadership development, anti-bullying and violence prevention, job readiness, college preparedness, and focus on ATOD-V (alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, as well as violence) education. They also take high-school aged youth on an annual college tour and offer a FOCUS (Future Opportunities Created for Urban Students) program.

  • East Office
    993 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
  • West Office
    2096 West Mound Street, Columbus, Ohio 43223
  • South Office
    1008 East Livingston Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43205
  • Outpatient Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Treatment Services
    1000 Atcheson Street, Columbus, Ohio 43203

Main Phone: (614) 272-1464
Treatment Services Phone: (614) 252-4941
cndcolumbus.org

Delaware Area Career Center (DACC)

Offers programs for both high school students and adults to improve skills so they can be better prepared to enter the workforce and advance within the workforce, by offering college credits, industry credentials and hands-on experiences.

  • North Campus: 1610 State Route 521, Delaware, Ohio 43015
    (740) 363-1993
  • South Campus: 4565 Columbus Pike, Delaware, Ohio 43015
    (740) 548-0708

delawareareacc.org

Dress for Success Columbus

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

Eastland-Fairfield Career & Technical Schools

Offers tuition-free programs for high school juniors and seniors at more than 15 school districts in central Ohio, including job training, career programs, college prep classes, GED classes, ESL training and help finding a job. They also offer free summer camps for students in grades 6 to 8 explore career options.

  • District Office
    4300 Amalgamated Place, Groveport, Ohio 43125
    (614) 836-4530
  • Eastland Career Center
    4465 South Hamilton Road, Groveport, Ohio 43125
    High School: (614) 836-5725
    Adult Workforce Development: (614) 836-4541
  • Fairfield Career Center
    3985 Coonpath Road Northwest, Carroll, Ohio 43112
    High School / Adult Workforce Development: (614) 837-9443 or (740) 756-9243

eastlandfairfield.com
Summer Camp: eastlandfairfield.com/page/summer-camp

Eckerd Connects Workforce Development

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

Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services (ETSS)

Helps immigrants and refugees from all countries establish roots and gain self-sufficiency in Central Ohio. They offer job training, mentoring, English language classes, after school tutoring for children, case management for victims of domestic violence and much more. They provide these youth, adult and family care programming’s at various sites throughout Central Ohio. Visit the website for a list of all the program sites.
Main Office: 1060 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 252-5362
ethiotss.org
Locations: ethiotss.org/location

Expanding Visions Foundation

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

Franklinton Rising

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

Godman Guild

Offers free adult education classes (GED preparation, ESOL, job training, computer skills), community engagement programs, and youth programming (after school homework help, mentoring, and summer programs).
195 North Grant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 294-5476
godmanguild.org

Halt Violence

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, Suite 100, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 302-1640
haltviolence.org

IMPACT Community Action

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.

  • Emergency assistance services: household items, burial support, rent/mortgage, transportation, water and energy (HEAP) assistance, food giveaways during the summer
  • Empowerment services: computer classes, financial services, re-entry program, programs for foster youth and youth, ages 14-24 not enrolled in school and are not employed (AMP program), workforce development/employment, vocational training and certification, mobile medical unit in partnership with the Breathing Association
  • Energy assistance services: free home repairs through their Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP) and energy efficient lighting and refrigerator/freezer replacement through their AEP Program

711 Southwood Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43207

  • General: (614) 252-2799
  • Emergency Assistance: (866) 747-1038
  • AMP (Achieve More & Prosper): (614) 453-1709 or (614) 233-2671

impactca.org
AMP website: jfs.franklincountyohio.gov/amp

Keepsake Theme Quilts (KTQ) Deaf Initiatives

Creates job opportunities for deaf and hard of hearing youth as a path to personal success, financial independence and self-fulfilled lives. Their Work Experience Model (WEM) offers hands-on experiences where they can develop work skills, and cultivate positive work habits and values necessary for successful careers.
563 South Dawson Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43209
(614) 238-3323 or (614) 388-9630 VP
tshirtquilts.com/our-mission

Lead the Way Learning Academy

Provides youth development programs and activities for Franklin County youth in grades K-12. Their After School Learning Zone and Summer Learning Zone provides homework help, academic enrichment, field trips, fitness, free meals and other fun and exciting enrichment activities. Services are free to TANF eligible families. In collaboration with the Achieve More & Prosper (A.M.P.) Program, the Career Zone provides employment resources and opportunities to in-school youth, ages 16-18 experiencing barriers to academic and career success. Visit the website for site locations.
(614) 842-4993
leadthewaylearningacademy.org

MCS-TOUCH (Metropolitan Community Services Teaching Opportunity Unity by Connecting Hearts)

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

Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) Job Shadowing & Internships

Job shadowing and internship opportunities allow students the chance to spend time with a health care professional and see the work duties performed and the interaction 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.
700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 355-0678
nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/courses-for-parents-and-kids/student-education-opportunities/job-shadowing-and-internships

Ohio Department of Youth Services (DYS)

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

Ohio State University (OSU) Extension

Works with families and children, farmers and business owners, community leaders and elected officials to build better lives, better businesses and better communities in Ohio. Many programs fall into four categories, including;

2548 Carmack Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210
(614) 866-6900
Franklin County Office: franklin.osu.edu/home
extension.osu.edu

OhioMeansJobs Columbus-Franklin County

Free extensive one-stop employment services for young and old, working and unemployed. Services include walk-in access to a career resource room, job fairs and job postings. They also offer free support in preparing career planning, academic and skill testing, hands-on computer classes, GED preparation, creating resumés and cover letters, preparing for interviews and more.
1111 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 559-5052
Columbus-Franklin County: omjcfc.org
State of Ohio: ohiomeansjobs.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/omj/home

South-Western City School District (SWCSD) Career Tech

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 more information on career technical education for high school students.
South-Western Career Academy
4750 Big Run South Road, Grove City, Ohio 43123
(614) 801-3400
swcsdcareertech.com

Teen Corps

A summer internship for 15-18 year old teens designed to teach life and work skills through hands-on experiences in urban farming. During the 8 week program, they learn about horticulture, the environment, cooking, health and nutrition, customer service, budgets and money matters, entrepreneurship, teamwork and communication. Participants receive 20 hours per week paid work experience. They begin recruiting Columbus City teens in early spring.
Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
1777 East Broad Street Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 715-8034
fpconservatory.org/education-programs/outreach-programs/teen-corps

Tolles Career & Technical Center

Tolles is a career and technical school that serves Dublin, Fairbanks, Jonathan Alder, Hilliard, London, Madison-Plains, and Jefferson Local school districts. Tolles offers free adult and continuing education opportunities in ASPIRE, ESOL, GED, RAMTEC, industrial training and public safety.
7877 U.S. Highway 42 South, Plain City, Ohio 43064
High School: (614) 873-4666, ext. 4208
Adult Education: (614) 873-4666, ext. 4248
tollestech.com

Youth Engaged 4 Change (YE4C)

Provides youth-focused resources and opportunities that inspire and empower young people to make a difference in their lives and in the world around them. Youth can find volunteering, internship, job and leadership opportunities, and answers on topics like mental health, relationships, education and more.
engage.youth.gov


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