Pending commissioners' approval, Franklin County will spend over $3 million in COVID-19 Recovery Grants and other federal dollars for the "Ready 2 Earn" summer youth employment program.
Almost half a million will go to Lead the Way Learning Academy, which will be accepting applications for 75 high school graduates ages 18 to 20 for their six week career training course.
"We have employers screaming that they need employees," said Jackie Kemp, the academy's Executive Director and founder. "And ironically, a lot of kids don't fully understand what's really available to them. So we want to be a connection with the employer and the young person."
Kemp said the academy offers Commercial Drivers License training and pre-apprenticeships, as well as other experiences for those undecided on a career path.
"When you get to talk to a lot of young people, they just don't really know what's out there. They don't know anything further than what they've seen in their family or sometimes even their community," said Anthony Murphy, the academy's director of operations.
"And so sometimes it's thinking outside the box and just exposing them to these opportunities. And we're just grateful to have the resources to do so and be a part of changing people's lives," he said.
Commissioners will vote on the funding Tuesday. Funds will be awarded to the following organizations:
| Agency | Subward Amount |
| Columbus Urban League | $2,045,731.00 |
| Godman Guild Association | $559,673.57 |
| Lead The Way Learning Academy | $478,696.00 |
| Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital | $136,120.00 |
| Total | $3,220,220.57 |
Lead The Way Learning Academy's summer career program begins June 6. For more information on how to apply, click here.
The Columbus Urban League is also taking youth applications for its WRT University, which is open to ages 14-18 and pays up to $1,500 in stipends and incentives. Deadlines are fast approaching. To apply, click here.
