Discover Your Sense of Place, Purpose, and Passion through the Columbus Impact Academy.

About Us:

The Columbus Impact Academy is an immersive and unique leadership experience for emerging professionals. It is facilitated by the largest YP membership association, the Columbus Young Professionals (CYP) Club, over six months from September through February. Emerging leaders and high-potential associates who are accepted into the program work among a cohort of outstanding individuals to discover a greater sense of place, purpose, and passion while gaining valuable perspective in life-altering areas.

Read what past participants have said about the experience!

Curriculum Snapshot:

The Columbus Impact Academy offers more than 30 hours of structured leadership sessions, team-bonding opportunities, and experiential "field trips" to get to know Columbus for area young professionals—with fewer than 10 total hours during the typical workday—over the course of six months from September through February.

All participants will receive a copy of CliftonStrengths (hard cover book and online talent assessment) plus a Columbus Impact Academy journal and 12 months of Premium Membership access in the CYP Club (a value of $95).

Most sessions are on Wednesdays from 6-8pm, with some on Friday afternoons or weekends.

Class of 2025: Curriculum Dates, Times, and Sessions

The Impact Academy offers more than 30 hours of structured leadership sessions, team-bonding opportunities, and experiential "field trips" to get to know Columbus for area young professionals—with fewer than 10 total hours during the workday. Most sessions are on Wednesdays from 6-8pm, with some on Friday afternoons or weekends. * Dates, times, and sessions are subject to change with advanced notice.

Session 1: Wednesday, September 10, 2025 • 6-8:30pm

Academy Orientation including Team-Bonding Session & Group Tour @ Columbus Glass Art Center

Session 2: Friday, September 26, 2025 • 8-11:30am

Columbus Emerging Leaders’ Summit (VIP Access)

Bonus: September Field Trip • TBA • Special Event with Columbus Council on World Affairs

Session 3: Wednesday, October 8, 2025 • 6-8:30pm

Conversations About Community Impact (Part I): A Discovery Session with Local Nonprofit Leaders

Session 4: October 24 or 25, 2025 • 2-4pm

Getting to Know Columbus: Downtown Tour @ LeVeque Tower, Columbus City Hall, Scioto Mile, and more

Bonus: October Field Trip • TBA • Behind-the-Scenes Tour of the National Veterans Memorial & Museum

Session 5: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 • 6:30-8:30pm

Crafting Your Professional Development Plan using CliftonStrengths

Session 6: Friday, November 21, 2025 • 2-4pm

Conversations About Community Impact (Part II): A Tools, Tips & Team-Bonding Session

Bonus: November Group Volunteer Project • TBA • Service in Action with Besa

Session 7: Tuesday, December 2, 2025 • 6-8:30pm

Leadership Through Nonprofit Board Service: A Panel Discussion + Group Tour @ Charity Newsies

Session 8: Wednesday, December 10, 2025 • 6-8:30pm

Finding Your Place & Purpose: A Local Storytelling Session @ Dawson Auditorium

Bonus: December Experiential Field Trip • TBA

Session 9: Wednesday, January 14, 2026 • 6-8:30pm

Vision and Vibes: Connect with Impact Academy alumni over curated networking and a vision-setting activity for 2026

Session 10: Friday, January 30, 2026 • 2-4pm

Conversations About Community Impact (Part III): A Shark Tank-style Presentation Session with Local Nonprofit Leaders

Bonus: January Group Volunteer Project • TBA • MLK Day of Service with Besa

Session 11: Friday, February 6, 2026 • 11:30am-1:30pm

The Executive Luncheon: Exclusive roundtable luncheon with Central Ohio C-suiters and community leaders @ Franklin University

Session 12: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 • 6-8pm

GRADUATION CELEBRATION

 

Upon completion of the Columbus Impact Academy, you’ll also receive:

  • Impact Academy Graduation Certificate

  • Impact Academy Certification Credentials on LinkedIn

  • 12 months of Premium CYP Club membership ($95 value)

  • Complimentary pair of tickets to attend A Taste of Columbus & A Toast to Wonderful Workplaces in March 2026

  • Opportunity to get involved in Columbus Leadership Council or CYPeer Group of your choosing

  • Access to Columbus Impact Academy social & professional programming for alumni

Hone Your Leadership Skills

  • An Opportunity to Make a Lasting Impact

    Over the course of six months, our educational and interactive programming focuses on emerging leaders at all stages. Fellows are given an opportunity to develop ideas in collaboration with local nonprofits that can truly impact the community.

  • Conversations That Will Move You

    Engaging monthly sessions bring focus to individual, group and community leadership. Throughout the semester, we shine the spotlight on exceptional storytellers from around central Ohio fostering conversations with participants that are relevant and important.

  • Community Leaders Who are Accessible

    We help connect participants with one another and with accessible community leaders in business, nonprofit, education, politics and more, as well as the hundreds of alumni who have graduated from the Impact Academy since 2018.

Expectations of an Impact Academy participant:

  • Commitment to a six-month leadership program with twice monthly sessions (one for programming and one for engagement activities) typically for two hours each.

  • Commitment to a bonus/optional volunteer group project or field trip outing each month.

  • Commitment to showing up on time and being present during all sessions.

  • Commitment to Columbus and the growth of our city and region.