Summer Programs
Franklin County is investing over $10 million to support enriching activities for youth this year, from free day camps for elementary and middle school students to paid work experiences, and a college and career readiness program for high school students and young adults.
In general, families must meet Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) income guidelines to qualify. Read more below and get connected with providers to see about available slots.
Summer Programs
Summer Day Camps (Children Ages 5-13)
Franklin County Job and Family Services funds FREE summer camps that are safe and fun, with dozens of different sites all across Central Ohio. Youth attending summer camps will:
- Receive academic instruction and support
- Engage in social-emotional learning
- Gain hands on experience in Science, Technology, the Arts, Engineering and Mathematics (STEAM) projects
- Learn skills in leadership development and much more.
Camps operate Monday - Friday for approximately 6 hours a day.
View List of Summer Camp Options
Ready 2 Earn (Youth Ages 14-21)
Ready 2 Earn partner organizations offer youth and young adults training in essential workplace behaviors including punctuality, professionalism, teamwork, and 21st century workplace skills, such as critical thinking and communications. There are three different tracks of summer employment and paid work experience offered:
- Youth ages 14-15: Work-based learning program designed to explore careers in technology, engineering, project management, and the arts. Youth will receive a $1,500 stipend and can earn an additional $300 in incentives for completing the 6-week program.
- Youth Ages 16-18: Traditional work experiences with government, non-profit, and private sector organizations where they can earn wages up to $15 per hour.
- Young People Ages 18-21: Paid pre-apprenticeship training programs in the automotive, building and construction trades, transportation, non-clinical health care, and logistics industries. Earn wages up to $15 per hour.
Get Ready 2 Earn This Summer!
Columbus Urban League *Waitlist Applications Accepted*
Godman Guild Association *Waitlist Applications Accepted*
Lead The Way Academy
Saint Stephen's Community House
IT On Ramp+ and Student Web Corps (High School Students)
High School students can also apply technology and web design training through summer programs offered from TECH CORPS. Their 6-week program for TANF-eligible Franklin County 9th- and 10th-graders provides the opportunity to work on teams, learn to code and build a website for a mock business while earning $15 an hour.
The training provides hands-on lessons focused on a variety of computing topics, including app development, game design, software development and web development.
Contact: