About Us
Lead The Way Learning Academy is a non-profit youth development and youth work readiness agency. We empower youth to take a meaningful place in the 21st Century workplace by providing youth development and youth work readiness programs & activities. We serve youth in grades K-12.
We provide a continuum of youth development services for children that will lead to their future educational and career success. Lead The Way Learning Academy services and activities are supported by evidence-based practices, utilizing research and well-recognized best practices.
Lead The Way has been providing youth development and youth work readiness services in Franklin County since 2004, starting as a youth workforce development and outreach program at the J. Ashburn Jr. Youth Center.
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Lead The Way Learning Academy was incorporated as a nonprofit in 2014. We are a community-based youth development & youth workforce agency providing year-round programs of educational enrichment, workforce development, and related social services.
Mission
Our mission is to empower the youth with clarity, inspiration, drive, and opportunities for growth. We achieve this through cutting-edge, research-backed programs and services designed to provide a profound sense of purpose in every individual we serve.
Vision
Our vision is to become the foremost partner and resource for parents, students, educators, employers, and the community at large, universally recognized and chosen for our innovative and impactful contributions to workforce development.
Core Values
At LTWLA, our core values are anchored in a relentless pursuit of excellence and unwavering integrity. We prioritize meaningful connections, steadfast reliability, and tangible outcomes.
We define our success by the satisfaction of our participants—including youth, parents, and partners. Every member of our team is empowered to engage actively and thoughtfully with our families and partners.
Desired Outcomes
Youth are prepared for college
Youth are prepared for work
Youth understand resources available to them
Youth are exposed and aware of their options
Funding Source
Restricted Funding
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Franklin County Jobs & Family Services (2014-present)
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Workforce Development Board of Central Ohio (summer 2021)
Unrestricted Funding
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None at this time
"Thank you so much to Lead the Way for making a great impact on my college career. I was heavily impacted by COVID-19, with the latter part of senior year being taken away from me. My college experience wouldn't be possible without them. They provided me with a brand new laptop, along with a backpack filled with supplies. They provided essentials to the fight against CoVID-19. I was provided with masks, hand sanitizer, and wipes. I am forever
grateful for Lead the Way Learning Academy."
- Blessing Robinson, Indiana State University ‘24
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