History

Recognizing the need for under-served students to develop realistic career goals and skills vital to self-sufficiency as adults, EnterpriseWorks introduced the Career Center for Girls in 1999 funded by a grant from Fifth Third Bank.

In 2000, the program expanded to include boys and became the Career Center for Youth. During its five-year history, the Career Center for Youth has molded its curriculum to best serve middle school age students. This interactive program focuses on six stepping-stones to self-sufficiency while stressing the value of multiple intelligence and teaching essential life and work skills. The Career Center for Youth partners with Columbus City Schools and the Southwestern City School District.  This program receives funding form The Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services and Time Warner Cable.

In addition to the Career Center for Youth after school programs, EnterpriseWorks has served children since 2000 through the Summer Experience day camp. This week-long day camp is offered at no cost to qualifying students entering middle school who are residents of the CIty of Columbus. The focus of the Summer Experience camp is career exploration, financial literacy and nutrition and fitness.

The Career Center on Campus residential camp, based at the Ohio State University, began in 2004. This camp focusing on college preparedness, career exploration, and financial literacy is offered to TANF-eligible middle school age students who are residents of Franklin County, Ohio and is supported by the Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services.

K.E.E.P. (The Kids Environmental Education Program) began in January 2006 with support received from the Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services.  K.E.E.P. is a weekly after school program for fifth and sixth grade students that accelerates performance in science while increasing environmental awareness and providing exposure to environmental science careers.  The Franklin County Department of Job and Famiy Services, the Women's Fund of Central Ohio and Time Warner Cable have financially supported K.E.E.P.

EnterpriseWorks for Youth launched K.E.E.P. Camp in July 2007.  This five-day, overnight camp immerses fifth and sixth grade students in hands-on environmental education in a wildlife setting.   Based at YMCA Camp Willson in Bellefontaine, Ohio, K.E.E.P. Camp guides participants through workshops, games, scientific investigation and recreational activities including supervised lake swimming, fishing and horseback riding. Campers leave KEEP Camp with a solid knowledge of endangered species and habitats and proven methods for their preservation.  KEEP Camp has received funding from the Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services and the United Way of Central Ohio Summer Youth GO! TANF funding.

As of January 2009, over 1,400 children have benefited from involvement in EnterpriseWorks' youth services.