The Lead the Way team had an inspiring Thursday morning attending the Columbus Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting 2026 - The Power of US, hosted by President and CEO, Derrick R. Clay. It was a gathering focused on how collaboration drives growth across Central Ohio. We were able to witness the celebration of community‑centered excellence, including the highlights from the Google STAR Program, Capital Choice’s commitment to genuine community connection, and mission‑driven inn

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE [Columbus, Ohio] — January 2026 — Lead the Way is proud to announce a new, innovative chapter in its mission to prepare youth for success beyond high school. With a longstanding commitment to empowering students through college tours, career exploration, and hands‑on experiences, Lead the Way is now integrating cutting‑edge technology to expand that impact. Through partnership with TAP (Training All People) and with generous support from Spectrum , Lea

The Lead the Way team had the honor of attending the 41st Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast at the Columbus Convention Center this past Monday. Surrounded by community members from across Central Ohio, the team experienced an uplifting program that filled the room with purpose and a renewed commitment to carrying forward Dr. King’s enduring legacy. The program featured Tracey Townsend as Master of Ceremonies and a powerful keynote address from Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III ,

Partner Spotlight: D’Sha Edge “Being in that space and witnessing confidence, creativity, and camaraderie among the students made a lasting impression on me.” Community impact begins with connection. As the Partnerships Coordinator at Experience Columbus , D’Sha Edge leads the organization’s Small Business Program—an initiative dedicated to amplifying and supporting small minority-owned businesses across the city. Her work focuses on building relationships, elevating local e

This past Saturday, December 13th, the Lead the Way team had the pleasure of celebrating the season at the annual BlockWatch Winter Holiday Event , a gathering that brought together families, neighbors, and community partners for a day of warmth and connection. The event was filled with festive energy, cheerful faces, and a shared commitment to supporting Central Ohio families during the holiday season. As part of our ongoing mission to uplift and empower the community, Lead

Thank you to everyone who joined us last night for our Winter Island Family Game Night ! The evening was filled with laughter, friendly competition, and unforgettable moments shared among students, families, and community partners. Events like this remind us how powerful it is when our community comes together to create joyful experiences for young people. We are incredibly grateful to the partners and sponsors who helped make the night a success: The Student Stakeholder , Ah

Lead The Way has officially kicked off its Annual Giving Campaign , and the impact of this moment is already being felt. Yesterday, we sat down with our CEO, Anthony Murphy , to talk about how every contribution directly supports the growth, empowerment, and success of the more than 600 youth we serve each year. Anthony emphasized that Lead the Way’s mission is rooted in providing young people with access to meaningful opportunities—academic support, mentorship, workforce pa

Issued by: Lead the Way Issued on: November 14th Submission Deadline: December 5th, 2025 at 5:00 PM ET Contact Email: frederick@ltwohio.org Subject Line: “RFP Submission – Managed Services Proposal” 1. Introduction Lead The Way, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, is seeking proposals from qualified Managed Service Providers (MSPs) to deliver comprehensive IT support and infrastructure services. This RFP outlines the scope of services required, budget constraints, contract terms

Last Thursday, fourteen Lead the Way students stepped into a world of wildlife, conservation, and behind‑the‑scenes teamwork during a full‑day career exploration visit to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium . What many guests simply experience as a fun day at the zoo became, for our students, an opportunity to dive deeper into the many careers that keep one of the nation’s top zoos running. From the moment they arrived, students were immersed in the daily operations that support an

On November 5, Lead the Way was proud to participate in the Independence High School Career Fair , a day dedicated to helping students explore workforce pathways and gain insight into the skills and opportunities available to them after graduation. The event brought together students, educators, and community partners, all focused on one shared goal: empowering young people to step confidently toward their futures. Throughout the fair, the Lead the Way team had meaningful con

On October 22, Lead the Way had the privilege of participating in the Multicultural CommUNITY Resource Fair , an inspiring regional event dedicated to uplifting immigrant, refugee, and multilingual families across Central Ohio. This annual gathering continues to grow in scale and impact, bringing together dozens of organizations that share a common mission: ensuring that every student and family has access to the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive. A Po

On October 27, Lead The Way (LTW) was honored to participate in a special check presentation ceremony hosted by Spectrum at West High School. This meaningful event marked an exciting milestone in expanding access to innovative career exploration tools for Columbus students. Through Spectrum’s generous donation of virtual reality headsets, LTW students will gain hands-on exposure to immersive training environments designed to help them explore career pathways, practice technic

For Anthony King, education has always been about more than classrooms—it’s about access, exposure, and empowerment. As the Founder and CEO of The Student Stakeholder (TSS), Anthony is reshaping how young people in Central Ohio view their own potential. A former teacher and high school administrator, he has built an organization dedicated to connecting students with real-world opportunities, mentorship, and professional growth.

September 26-28, 2025 From September 26–28, 2025 , in partnership with The Student Stakeholder LLC , 19 AMP students had the incredible...

August 26, 2025 On September 25, 2025, the Columbus Chamber of Commerce hosted its 101st Annual Clambake & Lobster Feast , and Lead The...

September 24, 2025 On September 24, 2025, Marissa Pierce and her team represented Lead The Way at an impactful event hosted by CSH. The...

For TC Turner, serving as a Post-Secondary Advisor at Lead The Way is a mission rooted in lived experience, resilience, and a desire to show up authentically for students. With a professional background in social services and the legal system, TC’s journey has given him a deep understanding of both the challenges young people face and the opportunities that can change their lives.

September 22, 2025 On Friday, September 19, 2025 , Lead The Way proudly partnered with Felice Thomas and the Faith Thomas Foundation...

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.