We Lead The Way From Potential to Opportunity
A youth development and workforce readiness nonprofit serving Central Ohio since 2004.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
Lead The Way in the News
Stay up to date on all the incredible opportunities and goings-on in our community.
Help Us Lead The Way Forward
When you give your time, your voice, or your support, you help students move past barriers and into futures filled with options.
