2024-2025 Impact Report
Developing Resilient Youth. Building Stronger Communities.
Through AIMS Columbus, middle school youth across the City gained confidence, built meaningful relationships, and discovered new interests through opportunities that supported their social-emotional growth. They learned to navigate challenges, connect with peers, and expand their skills in ways that will help them succeed.
The testimonials in this report demonstrate that their voices and experiences are at the heart of this progress, reflected in the strong bonds they’ve formed, the new passions they’ve uncovered, and the powerful stories they share. Together, these young people are shaping a stronger, more connected community.
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AIMS Columbus Programs At-A-Glance
Results are based on data provided by staff at our AIMS Columbus-funded partner programs. The figures do not represent all partner programs.
AIMS Columbus Programs
AIMS Columbus offered programs at numerous sites, totaling 60,751 hours of activity.
25,171 hours
General Activities
6,896 hours
Sports/Physical Activity
1,734 hours
Tutoring - 1 on 1
466 hours
Guest Facilitator
9,708 hours
Tutoring - Small Group
4,169 hours
Life Skills Activity
1,730 hours
Leadership Through Sports Days
7,836 hours
Arts Activity
2,241 hours
SEL Activity
800 hours
STEM Activity
83% Youth Satisfaction & Growth
The programs didn’t just keep students busy; they helped them thrive.
On average, 83% of students reported positive outcomes across all measures of safety, respect, relationships, and personal growth.
87%
felt safe in their program.
87%
reported having positive relationships.
86%
felt listened to and respected.
78%
said they became a better version of themselves.
75%
would recommend their program to a friend.
Developing Social Emotional Skills
12-Point SEL Skills Gain
This gain underscores the impact of consistent SEL programming, mentorship, and safe spaces, empowering youth with self-understanding and interpersonal tools.
What Youth & Staff Say About AIMS Programs
Our partners use data and feedback to inform programming and decision making.
Developing Resilient Youth
Students gained confidence, found their voice, and redefined success.
ZM
Brilliance Project participant
“What I love is that boys and girls can do everything that they put their mind to, only if they can just believe and not doubt themselves.”
Dylan M.
student at the Driven Foundation
“When I started this program, I was bad. Now I have gotten way better from the first day to the last day.”
Teacher
Dana Middle School
“The WAV Program not only gave them the time to do this, but also the opportunity to express what they learned about themselves.”
Looking to the Future
Organizations will prioritize early planning, student voice, and data-driven practices.
YMCA of Central Ohio
“We will add more yoga and stretching to the beginning... to create a clear and smooth transition from the school day into the afterschool time.”
Bhutanese Community of Columbus Ohio
“We will explore moving to a new location that could be at a proximity to the majority of our after school students/ families.”
Community Refugee and Immigration Services
“Start recruiting earlier in the school year now that we understand more what the students want.”
We Amplify Voices
“We plan to start offering more structured opportunities for student voice and leadership within the program.”
Building Stronger Communities
Programs adapted with cultural nights, youth Leadership Councils, and parent workshops
Community Refugee and Immigration Services staff
“A lot of our students didn’t know one another, or their cultures. We saw a lot of growth and cross-cultural communication… it was great to witness.”
Kingdom Image Arts Program Manager
“The students found comfort in realizing they don’t have to carry the weight of others’ opinions.”
Abi P.
student at the Driven Foundation
“My favorite part…was that Driven helped make me feel like I belonged.”
About AIMS Columbus
We are a collaborative network of providers dedicated to strengthening afterschool programs across our city.
2024-2025 Partners
28 organizations operated 42 afterschool program sites
Boys and Girls Club of Central Ohio » Bhutanese Community of Central Ohio » Central Community House - TRANSIT ARTS » City of Columbus: Mayor’s Office, Office of Education » City of Columbus - Recreation and Parks Department » Columbus City Schools » Columbus Literacy Council » Columbus Metropolitan Library » Community Development for All People » Community for New Direction » Concrete Orkidz Foundation » Community Refugee & Immigration Services » Directions for Youth and Families » Driven Foundation » Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services » Girls on the Run Central Ohio » Highland Youth Garden » Homeport » Kaleidoscope Youth Center » Kingdom Image Arts » Lower Lights Ministries » OSU LifeSports » PAST Foundation » See Brilliance » SureImpact » TECH CORPS » The Dowd Center » The Miller Factory » United Way of Central Ohio » We Amplify Voices » YMCA of Central Ohio » YWCA Columbus
2024-2025 Monthly Learning Collaborative Trainings
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50 Attendees
per session (average)
28 Organizations
participated
60+ Unique Attendees
throughout the school year