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 / leadership opportunities, and answers on topics like mental health, relationships, education and more.
engage.youth.gov
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 programs.
4117 East Livingston Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43227
(614) 745-0007
all-that.org
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.
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.
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.
35 North Fourth Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 586-4520
cityyear.org/columbus
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.
(614) 224-0501
clcworks.org
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
Offers interactive experiences, exhibitions and more. COSI features live shows, special events, family programs, single day and summer camps, and career exploration, workshops for homeschoolers. They offer a special Family Access Membership that is available for families who get WIC, Ohio Directions (EBT) or Ohio Medicaid.
333 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 228-2674
cosi.org
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.
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 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.
eastlandfairfield.com
Summer Camp: eastlandfairfield.com/SummerCamp.aspx
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
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 programmings 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
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.
PO Box 245, Brice, Ohio 43109
expandingvisions.net
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
Offer free adult education classes (like GED preparation, ESOL, job training, computer lab), community engagement programs, and youth programming (like after school homework help, mentoring, summer programs, internships and career exploration).
303 East Sixth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201
280 Reeb Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43207 (Only adult education and workforce development services)
(614) 294-5476
godmanguild.org
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.com
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.
700 Bryden Road, Columbus, Ohio 43215
impactca.org
AMP website: jfs.franklincountyohio.gov/amp
Franklin County Housing Stabilization Coalition: stablehousingcoalition.org
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
Works with high school students from under-served communities to educate them about and prepare them for careers in the legal profession. They provide year-round, four-year academic and professional programming to participants. The program is free to all participants, and students are provided bus passes and lunch.
1700 Lake Shore Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43204
(614) 485-3503
lawandleadership.org
A STEM education and financial literacy organization serving 3rd–12th grade students. Their programs include: STEM clubs, workshops, leadership training, summer camps and mentoring. Their E-STEM Chapter gives youth an opportunity to be exposed to STEM and business concepts. Some services are free. Scholarships are available.
PO Box 361061, Columbus, Ohio 43236
(614) 398-8988
leademerging.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 educational workforce development assistance, leadership development training and comprehensive counseling. When necessary, participants may also receive access to housing and clothing assistance. TOUCH is an agency dedicated to helping ex-offenders gain the skills and confidence needed to obtain workforce and educational opportunities.
4040 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43213
(614) 338-8733
mcstouch.org
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
Provides reentry services and services for juvenile offenders. Go online to view their list of certified juvenile reentry programs throughout Ohio and resources for both victims and offenders. They also have a direct line to report any concerns related to the safety of youth, including matters related to sexual misconduct.
Central Office: 4545 Fisher Road, Suite D, Columbus, Ohio 43228
(614) 466-4314
Toll-Free Tip Line: (855) 577-7714
dys.ohio.gov
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;
2120 Fyffe Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210
(614) 292-6181
Franklin County Office: franklin.osu.edu/home
extension.osu.edu
Offers summer, fall and winter day camps from ages 3 to 12 years old. Children explore wildlife, create nature crafts, go on hikes, help with animal care and more. High school and college students can volunteer for school credit, fulfill community service requirements or learn more about animal-related professions.
Ohio Wildlife Center: 6131 Cook Road, Powell, Ohio 43065
Ohio Wildlife Center’s Hospital: 2661 Billingsley Road, Columbus, Ohio 43235
(614) 734-9453
ohiowildlifecenter.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 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
Provides childcare for children from 6 weeks to 5 years old, family services, senior services, and youth programming for youth ages 5 to 18 years of age. They also have a Choice Food Pantry, urban farm, Christmas gift programs, rent assistance and other neighborhood services.
1500 East Seventeenth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43219
(614) 294-6347
saintstephensch.org
An online tool that focuses on teens, and answers questions about relationships, parenthood, education, housing, legal rights, LGBTQ, foster care, immigration, money management and more. Also, the website helps youth and young adults learn about their rights and responsibilities and other information they need to move with confidence through adulthood.
takingchargeohio.org
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 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