A local nonprofit focused on youth outreach has opened a new office in Over-the-Rhine.
LEAD Training — a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that develops and delivers career readiness, life skills, and social-emotional learning programs for students in grades K-12, as well as young adults — recently relocated to a new office at 1432 Vine Street, above Nostalgia Wine & Jazz Lounge.
The organization was founded in 2018 by former educator Riley O’Grady after a pivotal moment following a student’s suicide attempt. O’Grady’s experience revealed a critical gap: while many young people are academically prepared, they often lack the confidence, communication skills, and career readiness needed to navigate life beyond the classroom.
After leaving the education world, O’Grady worked as a psychology research coordinator before realizing that much of what research had already uncovered was not reaching the students who needed it most. She subsequently returned to education before ultimately launching LEAD Training to help young people build the character, confidence and skills to succeed.
“Founding LEAD was driven by what I saw firsthand as an educator and researcher: young people need more support navigating life beyond the classroom,” O’Grady said. “As our work in Cincinnati’s urban core continues to grow, staying in OTR was important to us. Our new office strengthens our connection to the students, schools and communities we serve every day.”
Currently, LEAD Training already partners with 32 schools across Greater Cincinnati, including Cincinnati Public Schools, Norwood, Reading, Deer Park, St. Bernard and Princeton.
In its present form, the organization primarily serves high school juniors and seniors, helping them explore career options, connect with apprenticeships, and access meaningful pathways with leading local employers. O’Grady and her team work alongside students to overcome barriers that can impact their success, including transportation challenges, financial constraints, limited family engagement and mental health concerns.
Last year, the organization served over 3,000 students in the Cincinnati area. With the new space, a 2,222-square-foot office leased from Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC), LEAD can expand their reach across the city.
“3CDC’s commitment to supporting local youth closely aligns with LEAD’s mission,” said 3CDC’s EVP of Civic & Commercial Space Activations, Christy Samad, in a statement. “Through initiatives like our swim team, summer camps, youth events, and teen career fair, we share a common goal of creating opportunities for young people and helping them build successful futures. Having LEAD establish its office in OTR strengthens that shared commitment and creates new opportunities for collaboration. We look forward to seeing LEAD continue to grow its impact as it helps more students access the resources they need to succeed.”
LEAD Training will be open at the new location Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit the official website.
