Columbus OH
Print This Page

Mentoring & Leadership Programs

Royal Oak Initiative (ROI) Chess Clubs

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

Lower Lights Ministries (LLM)

A faith-based organization that serves individuals, families and Franklinton community members. They offer transitional housing for previously incarcerated women, low-income families and individuals, and females with substance use disorders. They also provide free meals, finance, employment, education, life coaching, hair and beauty salon services, as well as host a summer day camp, offer homework help and mentoring for at-risk youth ages 7-17.

  • 1066 Bellows Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43223
    (614) 228-3855
    Recovery Program: (614) 947-0497
    lowerlights.org
  • 1116 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43222
    Lower Lights Salon: (614) 928-3398
    lowerlightssalon.com

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

American Legion Auxiliary of Ohio Buckeye Girls State

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

American Legion Buckeye Boys State

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

Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) Amachi Program

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) 839-2447
bbbscentralohio.org/programs

Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Central Ohio

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.

  • MENTOR Central Ohio / Main Office
    1855 East Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229
    (614) 839-2447
  • Delaware County Office
    39 West Winter Street, Delaware, Ohio 43015
    (740) 369-2447
  • Union County Office
    940 London Avenue, Marysville, Ohio 43040
    (937) 642-0472
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Springfield
    625 Burt Street, Springfield, Ohio 45505
    (937) 390-9900
  • Camp Oty’Okwa
    Administration Office: 1385 King Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43212
    Camp Location: 24799 Purcell Road, South Bloomingville, Ohio 43152
    (740) 385-5279
    campotyokwa.org

bbbscentralohio.org

Brown Girls Mentoring

Provides mentorship opportunities for girls and young women through lectures, trainings, and activities to build her self-confidence, develop relationships, resolve conflict; make wise decisions, work in teams, and develop practical life skills.
Beatty Recreational Center
247 North Ohio Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 364-6242
browngirlsmentoring.org
facebook.com/browngirlsmentoring

Central Ohio Diabetes Association (CODA)

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

Central Ohio Leadership Academy (COLA)

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
leadershipcolumbus.org/central-ohio-leadership-academy/

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

CHLOE (Community, Health, Life Skills, Opportunities & Education)

Provides mentoring and education services to pregnant and teen moms in Franklin County. Some of the classes they offer include: shaken baby prevention presentation, pregnancy and child birth education. They also provide childcare, study help and have a mini boutique, stocked with infant and toddler clothing, diapers, blankets, bedding, small equipment and other necessities needed to care for little ones.
Whitehall Church of the Nazarene
Physical Address: 739 South Yearling Road, Columbus, Ohio 43213
Mailing Address: PO Box 30241, Columbus, Ohio 43230
(614) 477-1426
chloeinc.org

College & High School Aspiring Mothers Partnership for Success Program (CHAMPS)

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

Columbus Council on World Affairs

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

Columbus Recreation & Parks City Leaders Program

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

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

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Columbus (OH) Chapter Youth Initiatives

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; and the activities are a 10-month commitment. They also offer college scholarships. Visit the website for contact information.
columbusohdeltas.org/youthapplications

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

Worthington C.A.R.E.S. Coalition

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

D’Light House Family Center

Connects students with caring, trained adults to create hope for the future. They provide mentoring and personal development programs for teens. They also strengthen families in the community by providing a support network of resources and meaningful experiences. Most of their programs and services are free, though some events have an admission fee. Their programs take place in schools, libraries and other venues for Franklin County youth and families.
(614) 376-8337
dlighthousefamilycenter.org

Eryn PiNK

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

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

Femergy

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.
PO Box 307217, Columbus, Ohio 43230
(614) 653-8454
femergy.org

Franklin County Youth Council (FCYC)

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) 227-2745
fcycoh.org
liveunitedcentralohio.org/franklin-county-youth-council

Godman Guild

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, and summer programs).
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

Handshake America

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. Visit the website for contact information.
handshakeamerica.org

Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) for Ohio

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

I Am My Brother’s Keeper (IAMBK)

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

I Know I Can (IKIC)

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.
1108 City Park Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206
(614) 233-9510
iknowican.org

Image Character Etiquette (ICE)

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

LASER (Latinx Space for Enrichment Research) Mentoring Program

LASER mentors serve as academic role models, as well as bridge builders, between Latinos in high school and Ohio State, Otterbein and Ohio Wesleyan University students. Mentees will meet 1-2 hours per week with their mentors. Meeting locations varies. Visit the website for contact information.
odi.osu.edu/laser-digital-hubMeeting Locations: odi.osu.edu/laser-hub-information

Law & Leadership Institute (LLI)

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

Leaders Emerging & Developing (LEAD)

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

Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America (LEDA)

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.
315 West Thirty-ninth Street, New York, New York 10018
(646) 787-0628
ledascholars.org

My Project USA

A faith-based organization that support Muslim youth and families through youth development programs, parent education, as well as help victims and at-risk individual of violence and abuse.
3036 Sullivant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43204
(614) 905-0977
Hotline: (614) 971-9375
myprojectusa.org

Ohio Attorney General’s Teen Ambassador Board

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

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;

2120 Fyffe Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210
(614) 292-6181
Franklin County Office: franklin.osu.edu/home
extension.osu.edu

Ohio State University (OSU) LiFEsports

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) 688-3875
osulifesports.org

Ohio Youth Leadership Forum (YLF)

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

Quest Bridge

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

Rise Sister Rise Network

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) 231-3543
blackgirlrising.net

Ruling Our eXperiences (ROX)

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

Salvation Army

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 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.

  • Administrative Office
    966 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
    (614) 221-6561 or (800) 725-2769
  • Chapel at Worthington Woods Worship & Service Center
    760 Worthington Woods Boulevard, Worthington, Ohio 43085
    (614) 846-1884
  • Citadel Worship & Service Center
    3662 Karl Road, Columbus, Ohio 43224
    (614) 262-9611
  • Delaware Worship & Community Center
    340 Lake Street, Delaware, Ohio 43015
    (740) 369-5301
  • East Main Worship & Service Center
    966 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
    (614) 253-6811
  • Hilltop Worship & Service Center
    2300 West Mound Street, Columbus, Ohio 43204
    (614) 274-7600

easternusa.salvationarmy.org/southwest-ohio/central-ohio/home
Link to Family Thrift Store list: easternusa.salvationarmy.org/southwest-ohio/central-ohio/thrift-stores

TriVillage Mentor League

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

United States Senate Youth Program

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

Unlocking Futures

Provides group mentoring, leadership programming and prison transportation for youth ages 5-17 whose parent is incarcerated. The group mentoring engages them in fun activities and provides them with a safe environment to discuss various topics. And their Generational Leadership program provides youth with tools to help develop their communication skill sets to help foster healthy relationships. All services are free, except the prison transportation. The minimal fee varies depending on the prison location.
464 East Main Street, Suite E, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 385-0771
unlockingfamilyfutures.org

Urban GEMS (Gardening Entrepreneurs Motivating Sustainability)

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) 940-5435
urbangems.ehe.osu.edu

YMCA of Central Ohio

Serves: Single Adults & Families, Youth & Teens
Their programs, services and initiatives are for men, women and children of all ages covering health and fitness, swimming, age-specific activities, child care, camps, juvenile justice, housing, programming for infants and children with special needs (ECRN+), loanable adaptive equipment, and more. In their YMCA Stable Families coordinated service program, families with children (from Pre-K to 12th grade) who live in Franklin County have access to a service coordinator who can help in increasing household income, obtaining/maintaining safe and stable housing, and increasing the academic achievement of school-aged children. Visit the website or contact a YMCA center for additional information.
YMCA Administrative Office: 1907 Leonard Ave, Columbus, OH 43219
(614) 389-4409
YMCA Stable Families: (614) 636-3208
ymcacolumbus.org
YMCA Stable Families: ymcacolumbus.org/stable-form
YMCA Locations & Contacts: ymcacolumbus.org/locations

Young Scholars Program (YSP)

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

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

Youth to Youth International

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.
Office: 1420 Fields Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43211
Mailing: 547 East Eleventh Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43211
(614) 224-4506
youthtoyouth.net

YWCA Columbus

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.

  • Center for Women
    65 South Fourth Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
    (614) 224-9121
  • YWCA Family Center
    900 Harvey Court, Columbus, Ohio 43219
    (614) 253-3910

ywcacolumbus.org


Print This Page