Open Access Scholars (Cohort 2)
Free, Open-Access Leadership & Readiness Sessions for High School Scholars
Grades 9–12 | Monthly | April–December 2026
What is an Open Access Scholar?
Select Jump Start Compass Monthly Sessions are
free, open-access experiences designed for high school Scholars who want exposure to leadership development, college and career readiness, and community engagement.
There is no cost thanks to grants and the generous investments of individuals and corporations.
These sessions reflect the heart of the Compass program and are open to
any high school Scholar, including those who are not enrolled in the full Compass cohort.
Open Access Scholars participate alongside Compass Cohort Scholars in select monthly sessions, creating a shared learning environment rooted in growth, curiosity, and possibility.
Next Session: Saturday, April 25, 2026
Ohio Dominican University, Sansbury Hall, Colonial Room
Check In – 11:45
Session Begins – 12:00PM – 2:00PM
Time Principle: “To be early is on time; to be on time is late
Who is Eligible?
Open Access Compass sessions are open to:
- High school Scholars (Grades 9–12)
- Scholars who are curious about college, career, and leadership pathways
- Scholars who want to engage in meaningful conversations and experiences
- Scholars who may not be enrolled in the full Compass cohort
There is
no cost to attend Open Access sessions, and no long-term enrollment requirement.
Monthly Session Topics
- Safety, Awareness & Decision-Making
- Identity & Purpose
- Academic Readiness & Balance
- Mental & Emotional Wellness
- Career Exploration
- College Knowledge & Financial Aid
- Leadership & Community Engagement
- Community Service & Impact
- Future Planning
Sessions are interactive, discussion-based, and facilitated by trained adults and mentors.
Program Commitment
- Time: Select monthly sessions
- Primary Meeting Day: 4th Saturday of the month
- Access: Session-by-session participation. Must Register.
- Duration: April - December 2026
Open Access Scholars may attend one or multiple sessions throughout the year based on interest and availability.
What Scholars Will Gain
✔ Exposure to leadership development
✔ College and career awareness
✔ Life skills and decision-making tools
✔ Mental and emotional wellness strategies
✔ Safety and situational awareness education
✔ Positive adult role models and facilitators
✔ Connection to peers and community resources
2026 Jump Start Compass
Session Calendar
Time Principle: “To be early is on time; to be on time is late"
Mental & Emotional Wellness
This session provides Scholars with tools for stress management, emotional regulation, and healthy coping strategies. Through guided conversation and reflection, participants build awareness and language around mental and emotional well-being.
April 25, 2026 |
12:00PM–2:00 pm
Check in at 11:45AM
Ohio Dominican University
Sansbury Hall, Colonial Room
1216 Sunbury Road 43219
Facilitator: Z. F. Taylor & Amber Harris (Dr. Maria Houston and Dr. Kyle Johnson)
College & Experiential Tour Preparation Part. 1
This session prepares Scholars for upcoming college and experiential learning opportunities, focusing on independence, responsibility, and reflection. Students learn how to maximize campus visits and engage meaningfully in new environments.
May 23, 2026 |
12:00PM–2:00 pm
Check in at 11:45AM
Ohio Dominican University
Sansbury Hall, Colonial Room
1216 Sunbury Road 43219
Facilitator: Ms. Alethea Gaddis
Leadership & Community
This session explores leadership styles, civic responsibility, and the meaning of serving beyond oneself. Through discussion and reflection, Scholars consider how leadership shows up in their schools, families, and communities.
June 27, 2026 |
12:00PM–2:00 pm
Check in at 11:45AM
Ohio Dominican University
Sansbury Hall, Colonial Room
1216 Sunbury Road 43219
Facilitator: YWCA Columbus, Leadership and Social Justice Department
Career Exploration Lab
Scholars engage in hands-on career exploration activities designed to connect interests, strengths, and future pathways. Through interactive exercises and discussion, students begin mapping possible college, workforce, and entrepreneurial options.
July 25, 2026 |
12:00PM–2:00 pm
Check in at 11:45AM
Ohio Dominican University
Sansbury Hall, Colonial Room
1216 Sunbury Road 43219
Facilitator: Z. F. Taylor
Academic Readiness & Balance
Scholars explore study strategies, time management tools, and practical approaches to balancing school and life responsibilities. The session also invites reflection on pressure, expectations, and what success truly means.
August 22, 2026 |
12:00PM–2:00 pm
Check in at 11:45AM
Ohio Dominican University
Sansbury Hall, Colonial Room
1216 Sunbury Road 43219
Facilitator: Therase Moore
College Knowledge & Financial Literacy
Scholars gain foundational knowledge about college admissions, financial aid, scholarships, and professional communication. This session equips students with practical steps to navigate post-secondary planning with clarity and confidence.
September 26, 2026 |
12:00PM–2:00 pm
Check in at 11:45AM
Ohio Dominican University
Sansbury Hall, Colonial Room
1216 Sunbury Road 43219
Facilitator: Sasheen Phillips
Safety, Awareness & Decision-Making
This session focuses on personal safety, digital awareness, and thoughtful decision-making in everyday situations. Through real-life scenarios and discussion, Scholars build confidence, situational awareness, and practical life skills in a supportive environment.
October 24, 2026 |
12:00PM–2:00 pm
Check in at 11:45AM
Ohio Dominican University
Sansbury Hall, Colonial Room
1216 Sunbury Road 43219
Facilitator: TBD
Community Service & Impact
Scholars engage in planning or executing a meaningful service initiative designed to create positive community impact. The session emphasizes teamwork, responsibility, and the power of collective action.
November 21, 2026 |
12:00PM–2:00 pm
Check in at 11:45AM
Ohio Dominican University
Sansbury Hall, Colonial Room
1216 Sunbury Road 43219
Facilitator: TBD
Important Notes About Open Access Participation
Open Access Scholars:
- Are not enrolled in the full Compass cohort
- Do not receive assigned mentors or long-term tracking
- Do not participate in the full college tour or stipend opportunities
- Do not receive certificates or micro-credentials
- Do not participate in extra cohort opportunities (Socratic circles, Teen Outings, etc.)
However, Open Access sessions are designed to be meaningful, engaging, and impactful on their own, and to serve as an entry point into deeper opportunities when available.
Why Open Access Matters
Jump Start believes access should never be a barrier to growth. Monthly Open Access sessions ensure that any Scholar can step into a space of learning, leadership, and possibility, regardless of enrollment status.
These sessions create community, spark curiosity, and help Scholars begin imagining what’s next.
Difference between Compass and Open Access Sessions
| Program Feature | Paid Cohort Member (40 scholars) | Open Access Scholar |
|---|---|---|
| Full 10-month enrollment | ✔ | ✘ |
| Monthly sessions | ✔ | Based on Availability |
| Teen Socratic Circles | ✔ | Select sessions only |
| Mentorship & chaperone support | ✔ | ✘ |
| College tours (day trips) | ✔ | Based on Availability ($75 per trip if selected) |
| Career experiential learning | ✔ | Based on Availability |
| Community service project | ✔ | ✔ |
| Compass progress tracker | ✔ | ✘ |
| Certificates & micro-credentials | ✔ | ✘ |
| Priority access & continuity | ✔ | ✘ |
| Family engagement & updates | ✔ | ✘ |
| Scholar Excursions | ✔ | ✘ |
| Week-long college tour | ✔ | ✘ |
2026 Community Partners
