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
A week-long summer program offered to young women entering their senior year of high school who want to develop leadership skills, learn how government works and the duties privileges, rights and responsibilities of good citizenship.
PO Box 2760, Zanesville, Ohio 43702
(740) 452-8245
buckeyegirlsstate.org
Boys State is for teens entering their senior year of high school who are in good academic standing and want to learn how government works, develop leadership skills and practice good citizenship. The program is offered every summer to more than 1200 boys across Ohio.
PO Box 8007, Delaware, Ohio 43015
(740) 362-7478
ohiobuckeyeboysstate.com
A one-to-one mentoring program that matches children of incarcerated parents with volunteers from the community. Visit the website or call to find out how to enroll a child.
1855 East Dublin-Granville Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229
(614) 837-2447
bbbs.org/amachi
Offers one-to-one community-based and school-based mentoring programs, as well as week-long, overnight camps during the summer for youth. Visit the website or call to find out how to enroll a child.
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 mentorship opportunities for young women through lectures, trainings, and activities to build self-confidence, develop relationships, resolve conflict, make wise decisions, work on teams, and develop practical life skills.
Linden Community Center
1350 Briarwood Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43211
(614) 831-0955
browngirlsmentoring.org
facebook.com/browngirlsmentoring
Offers diabetes education services and programs for youth, including diabetes camps and events led by a team of dietitians, nurses and social workers. Their camps provide a fun summer camp experience and helps kids with diabetes learn to live well with the challenge of diabetes. Day camps are available for youth ages 3 to 12, and their residential camp program, Camp Hamwi is for youth 7 to 17. They also offer leadership opportunities for youth ages 17 and 18. Scholarships are available for any family who qualifies.
1699 West Mound Street, Columbus, Ohio 43223
(614) 884-4400
lifecarealliance.org/programs/coda
A six-day leadership development experience for rising high school juniors and seniors in central Ohio. The free program is offered annually during the summer. All eligible students are encouraged to apply. Visit the website for contact information.
37 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 225-6934
leadershipcolumbus.org/central-ohio-leadership-academy
Serves: Adolescents and women ages 13-21 at any stage of pregnancy or parenting in Franklin County.
Young Mom Connections group meets twice a month for dinner, activities, childcare, and access to Kairo’s Closet boutique; which provides infant and toddler clothing, diapers, bedding, and more. They also provide mentoring programs and parenting classes.
4142 Westerville Road, Columbus, Ohi0 43224
(614) 477-1426
chloeinc.org
Mentoring program between college single parent students and Columbus area high school teen girls and young women who are parenting or pregnant. They offer one-on-one mentoring and online group mentoring. They accept applications into the fall for the school year. This program is provided through The Ohio State University ACCESS Collaborative Program.
84 North Seventeenth Street, Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 247-8258
odi.osu.edu/champs
Provides programs for teens who are interested in leadership and international issues. The programs are offered through the students’ local high school. Contact for more information.
51 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 229-4599
columbusworldaffairs.org
Offers a year-long program for youth entering the 6th-8th grade, who are residents of the City of Columbus. Participants have the opportunity to gain real life skills by working on projects and attending events that will guide them towards becoming positive leaders in their communities. Applicants will need the recommendation of an administrator or teacher to be considered.
1111 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 645-3330
columbus.gov/recreationandparks/programs/City-Leaders-Program
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.
788 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 257-6300
cul.org
Offers weekly prenatal education classes for expectant fathers and mothers. Classes focus on positive parenting, safe sleep, how to support during pregnancy and when baby comes home. Dads receive a mentor for a year after the birth of their child and linkage to resources such as healthcare and social work.
1741 Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 817-1950
urbanfdc.org/dads2b
Offers programming for youth ages 11-18 focused on leadership training, mentorship and empowerment. The sessions are comprised of fun, interactive, educational and community service activities. The activities are a 10-month commitment. They also offer college scholarships.
P.O. Box 163304, Columbus, Ohio 43216
(614) 470-1913
columbusohdeltas.org/youthapplications
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/page/summer-camp
Is an empowerment and mentoring organization for girls and teens in the community through their school program, community workshops, events and speaking engagements.
(614) 285-7465
erynpink.com
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
A non-profit organization that provides life-skills training, career exploration, college readiness, wellness management and direct mentorship opportunities for girls and women through workshops, programs and camps.
49 South Grant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 653-8454
femergy.org
A leadership program for high school students ages 14-18 to provide leadership and improve services for youth in Franklin County. FCYC members will be empowered to be ambassadors to represent the concerns and be the voice of youth in Franklin County, meet with key officials to advocate for community change and represent FCYC at conferences and special events.
360 South Third Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 272-1464 ext. 777
fcycoh.org
liveunitedcentralohio.org/franklin-county-youth-council
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
High school student athletes participate in a one-year “coaching” program to develop skills in perseverance, professionalism, positivity and more. The program consists of a college scholarship, the assignment of a Handshake Coach, and several meetings throughout the calendar year to help prepare student-athletes for their future. The students submit applications in the middle of their junior year.
4010 East Fifth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43219
handshakeamerica.org
Provide high school sophomore to participate in unique leadership training, service-learning and motivation-building experiences. In addition, students participate in hands-on leadership activities and meet state leaders in such areas as business, government, education, media and the non-profit sector. The student must be selected by their school. Visit the website for more information.
hoby.org/
hobyohiosouth.org
Offer fun, healthy safe experiences during the school year and throughout the summer, building academic, career, artistic, and physical strengths for boys of color ages 9-15 years old whose families earn 200% of poverty or less.
788 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 257-6300
cul.org/initiatives/i-am-my-brothers-keeper-iambk
Offers a range of services for students in Columbus City Schools to prepare them to enter and succeed in college, including providing help with financial aid and scholarships.
4200 East Regent Street, Columbus, Ohio 43219
(614) 233-9510
iknowican.org
A mentoring program created to provide young men of all nationalities with practical lessons and positive examples of how to navigate life. Through personal interactions with program mentors and real-world examples, they teach young men from grades 6th-12th not only how to go through life, but how to live meaningful lives fueled by purpose and propelled by passion. Visit the website for addition contact information.
(614) 604-3859
icementors.org
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.
303 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 236-6305
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) 407-6049
leademerging.org
A national, non-profit organization that helps develop academic and leadership skills in public high school students who come from low-income households or will be first-generation college students. LEDA Scholars are recruited as juniors in high school and spend the following summer at the Aspects of Leadership Summer Institute. The 7-week summer program is free and includes leadership study, writing instruction, standardized test preparation and college guidance.
121 West 36th Street, New York, New York 10018
(646) 582-3608
ledascholars.org
A faith-based organization serving individuals and families in Columbus. They offer transitional housing for previously incarcerated women, low-income families and individuals, and women struggling with substance use. Their adult mentorship program includes a weekly hot meal, job and finance mentoring, life coaching, and supportive services. They offer homework help, mentoring, and a summer day camp for at-risk youth ages 7-17. The Lower Lights Salon hosts free haircut events, and work training for women who have experienced addiction or incarceration.
Main Office:
1066 Bellows Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43223
(614) 228-3855
Recovery Program: (614) 947-0497
lowerlights.org
Lower Lights Salon:
1116 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43222
(614) 928-3398
lowerlightssalon.com
High school juniors and seniors living in Ohio will serve a one-year term and meet twice in Columbus during their time on the Board. Members will advise their office on issues relating to teens and work with their peers to develop solutions to those issues. Students will be placed into small groups, advised by an Assistant Attorney General. Applications generally open in the late Spring months. Visit the website for contact information.
ohioattorneygeneral.gov/State-and-Local-Government/Schools/Teen-Ambassador-Board
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
A free youth development program dedicated to serving economically disadvantaged children in the Columbus community. Their programs include a sports summer camp for youth ages 9 to 15, a youth leadership academy that prepares youth ages 15-18 for college and future careers, and community-based sports clinics throughout the year. Transportation is free to all campers via buses.
2400 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, Ohio, 43210
(614) 514-5942
osulifesports.org
This free 5-day leadership training program is for 11th and 12th grade high school students with disabilities. Participants will learn about choosing a career, the history of disability as a culture, available resources and assistive technology. They will be empowered to reach goals in education, employment and their community.
400 East Campus View Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43235
(614) 438-1394 or (614) 362-5606 VP
ood.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/ood/about-us/communications/literature/youth-leadership-forum
A nonprofit organization that supports high-achieving, low-income students to achieve success in college through their programs that offer an academic mentoring program for juniors and full four-year scholarships to colleges.
445 Sherman Ave, Palo Alto, California 94306
(888) 275-2054 Toll-free
questbridge.org
Helps African American girls ages 11-18 who have been exposed to trauma or stress in their lives. They help girls think critically, learn how to communicate through barriers and reach academic success. The services are offered through conferences, girl summits, think tanks, community forums and resiliency-based activities.
P.O. Box 09110, Columbus, Ohio 43209
(614) 300-0323
blackgirlrising.net
Helps kids learn critical thinking through the game of chess, by supporting chess clubs, hosting friendly tournaments, facilitating chess-based leadership training, and curating unique chess-themed workshops and experiences. Clubs receive supplies, training and ongoing support from ROI to launch and maintain weekly site-based chess clubs and leadership activities at their local school, library, faith-based organization, or community center.
(614) 500-3406
theroichess.org
Offers school and community programming for girls on team building, healthy communication, dealing with girl drama/bullying, healthy relationships, navigating social media, body image, support systems, safety and violence prevention, stress and coping, academic and career development and leadership. Provides research-backed tools and support for caregivers and professional development for educators, youth-serving mentors, and mental health professionals. Call or visit the website to access resources.
1335 Dublin Road, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 488-8080
rulingourexperiences.com
Serves: Single Adults & Families
Offers various services for Central Ohio families throughout the year. Their services include an in-residence rehabilitation program, after school learning centers for youth to get tutoring and homework help, Christmas assistance and food meal boxes, housing and rent assistance, utility assistance, help for trafficking survivors and veteran support services. Visit the website for their Family Thrift Store locations in Central Ohio and for more information on each program.
easternusa.salvationarmy.org/southwest-ohio/central-ohio/home
Link to Family Thrift Store list: easternusa.salvationarmy.org/southwest-ohio/central-ohio/thrift-stores
The weekly school-based mentoring program pairs Upper Arlington, Marble Cliff and Grandview Heights teen mentors with children enrolled in the after school programs in the Upper Arlington and Grandview Heights school districts. They award at least two college scholarships each year to volunteer teen mentors and also offer several summer camp opportunities.
3600 Tremont Road, Upper Arlington, Ohio 43221
(614) 255-7942
tvml.org
A week-long experience for two high school juniors or seniors from each state to see national government in action and meet and hear from senators, cabinet members, officials from the Departments of State and Defense, directors of other federal agencies and more in Washington, DC. All transportation, hotel and meal expenses will be provided by The Hearst Foundations. In addition, each delegate will also be awarded a $10,000 college scholarship. In Ohio, the United States Senate Youth Program makes its student selections from among participants who attend Buckeye Boys State, Buckeye Girls State or the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) program.
(614) 387-3200
ussenateyouth.org
education.ohio.gov/Topics/Other-Resources/Scholarships/US-Senate-Youth-Program
Nonprofit for families needing support during the incarceration of a parent. Provides parenting classes, case management, annual holiday family party, and Generational Leadership program for youth in grades 3rd-12th.
(614) 385-0771
unlockingfamilyfutures.org
Through this program, middle and high school age students can participate in after school and summer youth internships to gain skills growing vegetables in sustainable aeroponic towers. In the free youth development program, they gain leadership and entrepreneurial skills while preparing weekly cooking demonstrations and having fun.
The Ohio State University
1787 Neil Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43210
(614) 247-4004
urbangems.ehe.osu.edu
Provide resources, services and workshops the promote a culture that prevents drug and alcohol abuse, while supporting individuals and families affected by substance abuse. They also have a youth council. Visit the website for contact information.
worthingtoncarescoalition.org
Serves: Single Adults & Families, Youth & Teens
Programs for men, women and children of all ages covering health and fitness, swimming, age-specific activities, childcare, summer camps, juvenile justice, housing, programming for infants and children with special needs (ECRN+), loanable adaptive equipment, and more.
Administrative Office: 1907 Leonard Ave, Columbus, OH 43219
(614) 389-4409
YMCA Locations & Contact Info: ymcacolumbus.org/locations
ymcacolumbus.org
Provides opportunities for academically talented first generation students in Ohio with demonstrated financial need. Student scholars receive pre-college preparation through college advising, academic coaching and mentoring, college planning tools and resources and more.
154 West Twelfth Avenue, Columbus Ohio 43210
Program Administration: (614) 292-4884
Columbus Program: (614) 688-4240
odi.osu.edu/young-scholars-program
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
A community-based drug prevention and youth leadership program for middle school and high school students. The goal of its many projects is harnessing the powerful influence of peer pressure, making it a positive force that encourages youth to live free of tobacco, alcohol and drugs. Call for meeting schedules and more information.
118 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43125
(614) 224-4506
youthtoyouth.org
Serves: Families (referring to emergency shelter access)
Provide affordable housing and supportive services for women recovering from drug-related, alcohol-related, and mental illnesses. The YWCA Family Center provides emergency shelter and critical services including, family assistance, family advocacy, childcare, employment and resource center to help central Ohio families find housing. The YWCA Kids Place offers affordable childcare during the school year and summer programs for families in Gahanna and Westerville school districts. They also provide leadership training for high school girls and adult women.