Lead The Way

Lead The Way A non-profit serving youth in grades K-12 by providing a continuum of youth development services that lead to future educational and career success.

🚨 Two Opportunities. Limited Spots Available! – Ready 2 Earn (R2E)Are you age 16+ and ready to take the next step toward...
05/29/2026

🚨 Two Opportunities. Limited Spots Available! – Ready 2 Earn (R2E)

Are you age 16+ and ready to take the next step toward your future? Now is your chance to apply for TWO R2E opportunities designed to help you build skills and earn while you learn!

🔹 Opportunity 1: R2E Program (Additional Openings)
We have a few remaining spots available in our Ready 2 Earn Career Pathways Program.
⏰ Application Deadline: June 2, 2026 at 6:00 PM
⚠️ Late or incomplete applications may not be considered.
📋 Required to apply:

TANF Registration Form
Student Release Form
ID + Social Security Card
2 recent pay stubs

🔹 Opportunity 2: Phase 2 Cohort (August Training)
Take the next step with our Phase 2 training opportunities:

✅ STNA & Cosmetology pathways
✅ Start Date: August 10, 2026
✅ Earn $15/hour while training
✅ Designed for recent graduates

📲 Important: All applicants must complete ALL required forms (Application, Eligibility, Release) using the QR codes.
💡 Need help? We’re here to support you through every step!
✨ Don’t miss your chance to invest in your future—apply today!

This Memorial Day, we remember those who gave everything for our freedom. 🇺🇸Their sacrifice inspires us to continue our ...
05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we remember those who gave everything for our freedom. 🇺🇸
Their sacrifice inspires us to continue our work—empowering young people to lead, grow, and build stronger futures.

Peace Day at New Albany High School = SUCCESS ✨Even with the weather moving things indoors, the energy never slowed down...
05/14/2026

Peace Day at New Albany High School = SUCCESS ✨

Even with the weather moving things indoors, the energy never slowed down! Students showed up for a full day of fun, teamwork, and connection through indoor field day games, great food trucks, and meaningful conversations 💬

Huge shoutout to Lead The Way staff for spending time with students, sharing resources, and bringing the vibes—with popsicles AND swag to top it all off 🍧🎁

Proof that strong community + positive energy = unforgettable moments 💙

🚨 CALLING ALL YOUNG PEOPLE AGES 13–24! 🚨 Lead The Way is proud to partner with Think Make Live Youth to present the3rd A...
05/11/2026

🚨 CALLING ALL YOUNG PEOPLE AGES 13–24! 🚨

Lead The Way is proud to partner with Think Make Live Youth to present the
3rd Annual G.U.N.S. D.O.W.N. Summit — a powerful day of youth voice, resources, and community impact.

📅 Saturday, May 23, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Columbus State Community College – Workforce Development Center
315 Cleveland Ave., Columbus, OH 43215

💥 What to expect:
✅ Youth-led speakers & performances
✅ Interactive workshops
✅ Community vendor resource fair
✅ Info on summer jobs, careers & internships
✅ FREE food, snacks, giveaways & photo booth

🎤 Featuring guest speakers including:
• Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin
• Officer Shawn Smith-Davis, Columbus Police Department
• Dejon “DeeJ” White – What’s The Reason

🎙 Hosted by City Newwss | iHeartRadio Media
📲 Scan the QR code to register
👥 Bring a friend & be part of the movement to put G.U.N.S. D.O.W.N.

04/22/2026

✨ Office Shutdown Recap | March 30 – April 10 ✨

Last month, our team took a planned office shutdown to reset, refocus, and prepare for what’s ahead. During this time, we worked intentionally toward task improvements, compliance alignment, and summer readiness as we gear up for our youths’ Summer Work Experience program.

We also made space to reconnect and recharge through some meaningful team-building moments, including:

📸 A team photo shoot (headshots, group photos, and drone shots!)
🍽️ A potluck that featuring dishes from our diverse backgrounds
🎳 A fun-filled team bowling outing

Grateful for the hard work, collaboration, and positive energy that made this shutdown both productive and memorable. We’re excited to carry this momentum into the months ahead! 💪☀️

We'd like to also thank our partners who stopped by with presentations on how they're work supports our ultimate goals:

Shannon Lee
Jackie Kemp
Cherri kindred
Anthony King
Kimberly Mason
Gerica Brown
Pandy Pridemore
Mercedez Pickens
Emerald Collective

💡 Exposure Leads to Expansion! 💡We’re excited for our youth to take part in the Financial Health & Wellness Series, pres...
04/20/2026

💡 Exposure Leads to Expansion! 💡

We’re excited for our youth to take part in the Financial Health & Wellness Series, presented by The Student Stakeholder and Wright-Patt Credit Union, in partnership with Lead The Way.

Through this series, Lead the Way youth will gain hands‑on knowledge and real‑world tools around:

✅ Student Lending – May 20
✅ Budgeting – May 27
✅ Savings – June 3

📍 Location: 215 N. Front St.
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🍕 Pizza provided by Domino’s

These sessions are designed to empower young people with financial education, build confidence, and strengthen their ability to make informed decisions for their future. We’re proud to ensure our youth are exposed, prepared, and positioned for long‑term success.

Scan the QR code to learn more and join us!

04/14/2026

At Lead the Way, we are committed to creating transformative experiences that expose our students to opportunity, purpose, and possibility.

Through a strategic partnership with The Student Stakeholder LLC, our students participated in a dynamic Atlanta experience designed to blend career exposure, college readiness, and real-world engagement.

What this meant for our students:

✅Direct exposure to five major institutions: Georgia State University, Georgia Tech, Morehouse College, Spelman College, and Clark Atlanta University
✅Cultural and professional enrichment through a live Atlanta Hawks vs. New York Knicks game experience
✅Intentional team building and peer connection activities
✅Hands-on community service at the Atlanta Community Food Bank, reinforcing leadership through service

The Impact:

This experience was not just a trip—it was a pipeline-building opportunity that:

✅Expanded students’ vision for college and career pathways
✅Strengthened confidence and peer connection
✅Reinforced the importance of service, leadership, and community responsibility

We are proud to design and deliver opportunities that move students from exposure to action, ensuring they are not only inspired—but equipped.

We also acknowledge the support of Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners, and ASPYR Workforce Innovation for investing in experiences that drive real outcomes for our youth.

This is how we build future leaders—through intentional experiences, strategic partnerships, and measurable impact.

☕💬 Coffee & Conversations: Family Feedback Highlights 💙Families spoke—and we listened! From our Coffee & Conversations s...
04/07/2026

☕💬 Coffee & Conversations: Family Feedback Highlights 💙

Families spoke—and we listened! From our Coffee & Conversations survey responses:

✅ 100% of respondents reported being Very Satisfied with the event
✅ 80% shared they felt Very Clear about Lead The Way’s expectations, programs, and opportunities (with the remaining reporting Mostly Clear)
✅ 100% said they would “Yes, definitely” attend a future family engagement event

Families highlighted the CEO Address, Programs & Partnerships, Compliance & Expectations, Guest Speakers, and Breakout Parent Conversations as valuable components of the experience. Several also shared interest in added supports such as driver’s license assistance and financial wellness resources.

Thank you to our families for your honesty, engagement, and partnership—your feedback helps us continue strengthening how we support our students and community. 💛

☕💬 Coffee & Conversations with Our Families 💬☕As we gather with family during today’s holiday, we’re grateful for those ...
04/05/2026

☕💬 Coffee & Conversations with Our Families 💬☕

As we gather with family during today’s holiday, we’re grateful for those who joined us for Coffee & Conversations on March 28, 2026. ☕💛

During the event, Lead the Way staff shared how we support our students, available resources, upcoming events, and welcomed family feedback on barriers and additional ways we can better support their youth.

We’re grateful to our community partner, Resch's Bakery , for generously providing delicious donuts and Tim Hortons for hot coffee for our guests to enjoy while engaging in thoughtful conversation. 🍩

Again, thank you to our families for joining us, sharing their voices, and partnering with us in student success. 💛

🐰🌼 Happy Easter from Lead the Way! Wishing our students, families, and partners a joyful day filled with hope and new be...
04/05/2026

🐰🌼 Happy Easter from Lead the Way! Wishing our students, families, and partners a joyful day filled with hope and new beginnings. 🌸✨

Address

215 N. Front Street, Suite 230
Columbus, OH
43215

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 9pm
Tuesday 9am - 8pm
Wednesday 9am - 8pm
Thursday 9am - 8pm
Friday 9am - 8pm
Saturday 10am - 6pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+16149150434

Alerts

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