FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Frederick Lee Jr.  Partnerships & Development Coordinator Lead The Way Learning Academy...

At Lead The Way, our partnerships are built on more than collaboration—they’re built on shared vision, deep trust, and a commitment to walking alongside young people as they prepare for the future. Few partners embody this more than Caroline “Inspires” Bennett, the Founder and CEO of Caroline Inspires LLC.

For Marissa Pierce, Lead The Way’s Compliance Chief, the journey into youth development wasn’t one she originally planned on—but it has become a life-giving passion and career. A 39-year-old mom of two, Marissa carries with her over 15 years of experience in early childhood development as a teacher, mentor, and community partner. Since 2017, she’s been working in workforce development, combining her professional expertise with a personal mission: to ensure young people are eq

July 17, 2025 On July 17 , Lead the Way had the privilege of connecting with neighbors and partners at the Linden Community Event and...

July 16, 2025 This summer, students from our Entrepreneurship and Event Planning cohort had the exciting opportunity to attend the Jazz...

July 9, 2025 Wow — what an incredible turnout! 🎤✨ The July 9th Open Mic was yet another unforgettable night filled with energy,...

“When I was your age, I wondered if I was good enough. I doubted myself. I felt like my dreams were too big. But I kept going—and I want...

June 25, 2025 On Wednesday, June 25th, Lead The Way had the incredible opportunity to partner with the Columbus Crew for a night full of...

At Lead the Way, we know meaningful change happens when visionary companies and community-driven education come together. Our partnership with Unlimited Contract Solutions (UCS) is a powerful example of what happens when young talent is presented with real opportunity.

At Lead the Way success isn’t just measured by certifications or job placements, it’s built on confidence, connection, and consistency. Wailly Tamayo, our Senior Post-Secondary Advisor, brings all three to every student interaction, helping young people find their voice and feel seen. For Wailly, youth development isn’t just a job—it’s a mission. With over a decade of experience supporting youth and families in both New York City and Columbus, he leads with empathy, emotiona

June 11, 2025 We’re thrilled to announce our new partnership with Caroline Inspires to launch a powerful, three-part Open Mic series:...

June 9, 2025 We are excited to announce the official launch of our 2025 Summer Work Experience (WEX) / Ready to Earn (R2E) Program! This...

RFP Release Date: June 1, 2025   Proposal Submission Deadline: July 31, 2025   Response to Proposals: No later than September 1, 2025  Service Period: October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026 Contact: LaTanya Thornton, latanya@leadthewaylearningacademy.org

RFP Release Date: June 1, 2025   Proposal Submission Deadline: July 31, 2025   Response to Proposals: No later than September 1, 2025  Service Period: October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026 Contact: LaTanya Thornton, latanya@leadthewaylearningacademy.org

RFP Release Date: June 1, 2025   Proposal Submission Deadline: July 31, 2025   Response to Proposals: No later than September 1, 2025  Service Period: October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026 Contact: LaTanya Thornton, latanya@leadthewaylearningacademy.org

At Lead the Way, our success comes not only from the programs we run but from the passionate people who power them. One of those changemakers is Laj’am Wilson, whose journey into youth development started with an academic revelation and grew into a professional mission.

At Lead the Way (LTW), we know a career pathway doesn’t begin with a job offer—it starts with a spark. That spark might come from turning a wrench, troubleshooting an engine, or simply having someone believe in you. For the students in our career readiness programs, real-world experiences can be life-changing. And for employer partners like Performance Automotive, they can be business-changing too.

Lead The Way West High Students Honored as Dual Graduates from Columbus State Community College!

This month, we are thrilled to shine the spotlight on Timia Poindexter, a remarkable junior whose ambition and initiative are already making a powerful impact in the field of healthcare.

ach spring, Peace Day at New Albany High School (NAHS) serves as a joyful and energizing tradition to mark the winding down of the school year. With finals around the corner, students are given a well-deserved break to reconnect, recharge, and celebrate their accomplishments.