Explanation
BACKGROUND
Mayor Ginther’s vision for Columbus, America’s Opportunity City, is that every Columbus child has access to a safe after-school environment to continue his/her education at the end of the school day.
According to the Harvard Family Research Project and its national database of evaluations, research confirms that “children and youth who participate in after-school programs can reap a host of positive benefits in a number of interrelated outcome areas-academic, social-emotional, prevention, and health and wellness. These are the skills that many suggest are necessary for youth to succeed in the 21st Century global economy and world.”
During the 2025-2026 school year, the Columbus After School Program provided effective support and services for 2,200 children. The Mayor’s Office of Education plans to serve the same number of children for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year.
Therefore, the Office of Education requests permission to enter into not for profit service contracts with the below after-school program providers to help us reach our goal - and the Mayor’s vision for Columbus. Contracts are being awarded to the below providers pursuant to Section 329.30, which allows for the City to negotiate not-for-profit service contracts. These providers were selected due to their prior experience and success in providing the same services in the 2025-2026 school year.
Asian American Community Services, INC
Boys and Girls Clubs of Columbus, Inc. dba Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Ohio
Franklin County Historical Society dba Center of Science and Industry ("COSI")
Central Community House of Columbus
Clintonville-Beechwold Community Resources Center
After-School All-Stars Ohio
The Columbus Urban League
Communities In Schools Of Ohio
Community For New Direction Incorporation
Directions For Youth & Families, Inc.
Educational Service Center of Central Ohio
Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services
Kaleidoscope Youth Center, Inc.
St. Stephen's Community Hous...
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