5 Major Ways The Columbus Urban League Is Reshaping Central Ohio In 2025
The Columbus Urban League (CUL), a cornerstone of advocacy and empowerment in Central Ohio for over a century, is aggressively pushing forward with a series of high-impact, transformative initiatives in the current year, 2025. This premier organization is not just reacting to community needs; it is proactively engineering economic mobility and social justice across Columbus, Ohio, with a focus on African Americans and other disenfranchised groups.
The League's strategy, under the dynamic leadership of its CEO, is centered on addressing systemic barriers in housing, education, workforce development, and social advocacy. From launching new vocational training programs to securing multi-million dollar grants for minority entrepreneurs, the CUL's work today is more vital and visible than ever, cementing its role as a powerful force for change in the Columbus community.
The Leader: Stephanie Hightower's Biography and Accomplishments
The Columbus Urban League’s (CUL) current trajectory is guided by its President and CEO, Stephanie A. Hightower. She is a passionate advocate whose career is marked by both high-level athletic achievement and decades of community leadership.
- Current Role: 8th President and CEO of the Columbus Urban League.
- Historical Significance: She is the first female President and CEO in the organization's history.
- Advocacy Focus: A dedicated and passionate advocate for economic, educational, and social progress for Black and urban communities.
- Athletic Career: Former President of USA Track & Field (USATF).
- Olympian: She is a former Olympian, bringing a competitive and high-performance mindset to her leadership role.
- Leadership Philosophy: Driven by the core values of Equity and Justice, High Performance, Innovation, Integrity, and Empowerment.
- Key Team Members: Her leadership team includes Vice President of Leadership and Workforce Development, Charity Martin-King, and Associate Vice President, Monica L. Womack.
The 5 Most Transformative CUL Initiatives for 2025
The Columbus Urban League is currently focused on several high-profile programs that are set to redefine opportunity for thousands of Central Ohio residents. These initiatives are a direct response to the most pressing economic and social challenges facing the region.
1. Launching the Franklin County Trades Academy
In a powerful partnership with the Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services, the CUL is launching the Franklin County Trades Academy. This initiative is a critical step in addressing the skills gap and providing a clear pathway to high-demand, well-paying careers. The Academy is designed to link Franklin County residents with in-demand jobs in the skilled trades, offering comprehensive training and placement services. By focusing on vocational training, the CUL ensures that participants gain tangible, marketable skills that lead directly to economic stability and career growth.
2. $3 Million Grant for Women Entrepreneurs
A major announcement solidifying the CUL's commitment to minority business development is the $3 million grant received from JPMorgan Chase. This substantial funding is dedicated to a new program specifically aimed at bolstering women entrepreneurs in Central Ohio. The initiative has an ambitious goal: to provide education, support, and crucial access to capital and contracting opportunities for 100 women-owned businesses. This focus on minority- and women-owned businesses is a key pillar of the League’s economic empowerment strategy, working to close the wealth gap by fostering sustainable business growth.
3. Expanding the Neighborhood Violence Intervention Program
Recognizing that economic empowerment cannot happen without community safety, the Columbus City Council voted to expand the Columbus Urban League’s neighborhood violence and intervention program. The program is strategically expanding its reach into South and East Columbus neighborhoods. A core component of this expansion involves placing specialized "gang violence intervention specialists" in these areas to work directly with at-risk youth, specifically those between the ages of 14 and 24. This evidence-based approach is vital for interrupting cycles of violence and connecting young people with the CUL's educational and workforce resources.
4. Comprehensive Stable Housing Initiatives
The CUL remains a primary resource for housing stability in Columbus, a critical component of social progress. The organization manages the Stable Housing Initiative (including ERA 1 and ERA 2 programs), which provides essential assistance to renters. These programs are specifically designed to help residents avoid eviction and utility shutoff by offering emergency rent and utility assistance. Beyond crisis intervention, the CUL's Department of Housing offers long-term solutions, including housing counseling, financial literacy programs, and homebuyer education initiatives, empowering individuals to achieve sustainable homeownership.
5. The Urban Youth Pathways and Workforce Readiness Training
Workforce development is the heart of the CUL’s mission. The Urban Youth Pathways initiative is one of the League's largest youth workforce programs, demonstrating massive impact by serving 1,844 participants in 2024. Affiliates provided nearly 1,700 of those youth with direct work experience, setting them on a path toward professional careers.
Furthermore, the Work Readiness Training Program (WRTU) is a dedicated effort to prepare adults for the modern job market. The CUL opened a dedicated space for this program in April 2023, showcasing a long-term commitment to its success. The WRTU provides course instruction and essential soft skills training, ensuring individuals are not just placed in jobs but are prepared for career longevity.
The CUL’s Core Pillars of Empowerment
The work of the Columbus Urban League is structured around four interconnected pillars that address the multifaceted challenges faced by the Black and urban communities of Central Ohio.
Workforce Development and Economic Empowerment
This pillar is the engine of the CUL’s economic strategy. Programs like the Franklin County Trades Academy and the $3M women's entrepreneur grant are prime examples. The goal is to provide employment training, job placement, and access to capital, helping to close the racial wealth gap in Columbus. The CUL is a premier customer-driven organization advocating for individuals and delivering transformational service.
Education and Youth Development
The Education department is focused on holistic development, offering a host of educational and prevention programs. These programs address the academic, social, physical/health, and emotional needs of youth, ensuring they have the support structure necessary for success. The Columbus Urban League Young Professionals (CULYP) also plays a vital role, fostering the next generation of leaders through civic engagement, personal development, and cultural events, including the annual "Celebrate Her" event.
Housing and Financial Literacy
As detailed by the Stable Housing Initiative, this pillar ensures that residents have access to safe, affordable housing and the knowledge to manage their finances effectively. By offering housing counseling, emergency assistance, and financial literacy workshops, the CUL helps individuals build a foundation of stability necessary for all other forms of progress.
Social Justice and Advocacy
The Columbus Urban League is, at its core, a social advocacy organization. With a 107-year-old history, its mission is driven to advance racial equity and social justice. The CUL works to empower African Americans and disenfranchised groups through direct action and policy advocacy. Its commitment to values like Equity and Justice, Innovation, and Integrity ensures it remains an effective voice for systemic change in Central Ohio.
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