City Leaders Academy

Developing Columbus’ Leaders of Tomorrow

Are you interested in helping lead Columbus into the future? Join us for City Leaders Academy! During this nine-month program, you’ll learn about the inner workings of the City of Columbus, increase your citizenship skills and receive mentoring from City and community leaders. You’ll improve your public speaking, facilitation, teamwork, community awareness and leadership skills, preparing you to become a leader in your community!

Contact
Mr. Antonio Combs, Jr., Program Director
Email
614-645-0918

Applications

Applications will be accepted beginning May 1, 2023, and are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, June 14, 2024. Applications may be scanned and e-mailed to ANCombs@columbus.gov or returned by hard copy to our offices at the Jerry Hammond Center, 1111 E. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205. You may mail your application or leave it with the guard desk.

All applications should include:

• A completed application
• A letter from a teacher or administrator, or a community leader
• Two written essays for grades 6-8, three written essays for grade 9
• Interviews with the program coordinator(s)

Eligibility

• Must be a City of Columbus resident (If you are currently receiving City of Columbus trash and recycling services, you are eligible)
• Must be entering grades 6-9 grade in Fall 2024 and maintain a 2.80 GPA
• One child per household is eligible each year

Schedule

Participation is key to a successful experience! The orientation session is mandatory, and you cannot miss more than two school-year meet-ups. Check your calendar before applying!

• June 14, 2024: Application Deadline
• Aug. 16, 2024: Parents/Youth Notified of Application Decision
• Sept. 21, 2024: Mandatory Parent/Youth In-person Orientation – 10 a.m.
• Oct. 19, 2024: First School Year Monthly Meet Up
• School Year Every 3^rd Saturday: Monthly Meet Ups
• May 17, 2025: Graduation | Location TBD