09/01/2026
🖤💛 AS WE CLOSE OUT AN INCREDIBLE SUMMER…
The 2026 Summer Experience Youth Leadership Institute has been more than a summer program—it has been an experience of exposure, education, leadership, discovery and possibility.
Our scholars had the opportunity to explore new places, learn powerful lessons, experience history, build meaningful relationships and see more clearly what their future can look like.
As we close out this incredible Summer Experience, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to every scholar, family, mentor, partner and supporter who helped make this journey meaningful. 🖤💛
Your energy, trust and commitment continue to inspire the work we do.
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS & COMMUNITY PARTNERS
This experience does not happen without organizations willing to put their resources, influence and commitment behind our young people.
To our incredible sponsors and partners, we see you, we appreciate you, and we thank you.
🖤💛 FRANKLIN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Thank you for believing that investing in young people is an investment in the future of Franklin County.
🖤💛 THE CITY OF COLUMBUS — MAYOR ANDREW J. GINTHER
Thank you for supporting opportunities that expose our youth to leadership, possibility and the broader world around them.
🖤💛 COLUMBUS CITY SCHOOLS
Thank you for standing alongside us in creating experiences that extend learning beyond the classroom.
🖤💛 FRANKLIN COUNTY ECONOMIC ENGAGEMENT & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Thank you for recognizing that community development begins with developing the people who will lead our communities tomorrow.
YOUR INVESTMENT MATTERS.
You didn’t simply support a summer program.
You invested in young people.
You invested in leadership.
You invested in possibility.
You invested in the future of Central Ohio.
And because of that investment, our scholars experienced opportunities that can shape how they see themselves—and how they see their future.
To our parents and families, thank you for trusting us with your most valuable investment: your children.
To our mentors and volunteers, thank you for showing up, pouring into our scholars and demonstrating leadership in action.
And to our scholars—carry these experiences with you. Let what you saw expand what you believe is possible.
The summer may be ending, but the work—and the journey—continues. ✊🏾
EXPOSED. EMPOWERED. INSPIRED.
READY TO LEAD.
“What They See Is What They’ll Be.”
100 BLACK MEN OF CENTRAL OHIO
Investing in Our Youth. Building Our Future. 🖤💛