FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Brenda Miller
Email: bmiller@techcorps.org
(Columbus, Ohio) – (May 22, 2025): The City of Columbus announced in April 2025 that it will invest $8.6 million to support youth summer programming. When the interdepartmental review committee selected TECH CORPS out of the 112 organizations that applied for grant funding, City Council Member Christopher Wyche praised the decision. “I’ve seen firsthand how TECH CORPS delivers career-connected technology programs that foster real opportunities for K-12 students,” said Wyche. “Over the years, I have partnered with TECH CORPS to engage students in meaningful tech learning experiences, including their annual hackathon. TECH CORPS is the perfect partner to bring innovative summer programming to opportunity neighborhoods in Columbus.”
This summer, TECH CORPS will deliver its signature Techie Camp program to more than 200 elementary and middle school students across the city. These hands-on, project-based camps ignite curiosity and build essential technology skills while empowering students to explore tech careers and strengthen employability skills like collaboration and problem-solving. Nylah, a Columbus 3rd grader who participated in Digital Animation Camp in 2024, shared, “I got to use cool apps to make my very own movie! It was so fun learning new tech stuff. Technology helps me be creative and makes learning exciting!
Girls in grades 3-5 at Noble Academy explore technology.
Students use logic to write block code.
Summer 2025 Techie Camps Locations Across Columbus
TECH CORPS is collaborating with Noble Academy, Gladden House, Hilltop YMCA, Rickenbacker Woods, and the City of Refuge GoodLife Foundation to offer their students engaging opportunities in technology topics such as programming, app development, data analytics, and digital animation.
The poverty rate is nearly 20% in the 43232, 43227, and 43213 zip codes. The City of Refuge GoodLife Foundation will serve students ages 8–18 in these zip codes this summer. “Many of our families face food insecurity and fall below the federal poverty guidelines,” shared City of Refuge GoodLife Foundation Summer Camp Director Ted Murdaugh. “We’ve learned from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce that students are falling behind in reading, math, and technology. That’s where our partnership with TECH CORPS comes in. This summer, our programming is heavily focused on technology, providing students with stability, fun, and exposure to positive role models.”
Rickenbacker Woods, now in its third year of serving youth from the Driving Park neighborhood, continues to expand. A hallmark of the program is its commitment to inclusivity, welcoming students with special needs. “We are a community-based organization focused on strengthening young people through encouragement and social-emotional learning,” said Mike Aaron of Rickenbacker Woods. “Our partnership with TECH CORPS enables us to offer technology programming we wouldn’t otherwise have the resources to provide.”
For 30 years, TECH CORPS has been educating, exciting, and empowering students and educators through innovative, career-connected technology programs. “We’re honored to partner with the City of Columbus to bring Techie Camps to neighborhoods across the city,” said Lisa M. Chambers, TECH CORPS Chief Executive Officer. Through Techie Camp, students will gain the skills, confidence, and opportunities to unlock a successful future. We can’t wait for summer and the fantastic experiences we’ll share with Columbus kids!”
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