We Lead The Way From Potential to Opportunity

A youth development and workforce readiness nonprofit serving Central Ohio since 2004.

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Graduation Rate (2025)
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Students Served (2025)

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Too Many Students Are One Barrier Away From Success

Talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn’t.

Students across Central Ohio are working hard and dreaming big, but a lack of transportation, food insecurity, school supplies, or career exposure often derails what’s possible. That’s where we come in.

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A Proven Pipeline from Possibility to Purpose

Lead The Way is a youth development and workforce readiness nonprofit serving grades K–12 in Central Ohio with research-backed programs designed to help students graduate and step confidently into their futures.

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“Lead The Way has helped me a lot with my personal growth, along with providing me tons of opportunities that I can’t wait to start pursuing.”

— Neveah Menough

Programs That Build Bright Futures

We don’t just prepare youth for school success. We prepare them for life success.

Career & College Readiness

Students gain guidance and real-world preparation for college, trades, military service, or the corporate workforce.

Workforce Development & Job Placement

We connect youth with industry credentials, employer partnerships, and pathways that lead to meaningful employment.e.

Wraparound Support That Removes Barriers

From hygiene essentials to transportation assistance, we meet urgent needs so students can stay focused on growth.

Our Student Programming in Action

Check out our student initiatives over on our Podcast and YouTube channel.

Our YouTube

Phenomenal Results That Speak for Themselves

Lead The Way serves youth from families earning 200% or below the federal poverty level and achieves outcomes that exceed regional benchmarks.

95%

Graduation Rate

80%

Job Placement

85%

Post Program Success

Your support fuels measurable change.

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The Simple Path to Success

Step #1: Meet Students Where They Are

We build relationships inside schools and communities, creating consistent support and trust.

Step #2: Remove Barriers and Build Readiness

We provide wraparound resources, mentorship, and workforce development programming that prepares students for what’s next.

Step #3: Guide Students Into the Real World

Graduation. Credentials. Employment. Purpose. Futures are filled with opportunity.

Our Programs

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We Believe in Opportunity With Purpose

Lead The Way began in 2004 with a simple belief: every student deserves direction, stability, and a future filled with options. Incorporated as a nonprofit in 2014, we’ve spent two decades building pathways from education to opportunity across Central Ohio.

Founded by U.S. Army veteran and lifelong youth advocate Jackie Kemp, Lead The Way continues to grow under CEO Anthony Murphy through expanded career partnerships and workforce readiness programs.

Meet Our Leadership