Empowering children in the Linden community through education, innovation, and support.
Afterschool is Almost Here!
Afterschool is Almost Here!
Where School Ends and Learning Continues!
Registration is coming soon for The Hardy Center’s 2026-2027 Afterschool Program. There will be a waiting list.
Our Afterschool Program will begin on September 28th! We can’t wait to see our Hardy Kids!
For 19 years, The Hardy Center has served children and families in Columbus's Linden community, helping students overcome educational barriers and build brighter futures. Located in one of Columbus's most underserved neighborhoods, where high crime and low literacy present significant challenges, we are committed to delivering measurable results.
Over the past four years, 70% of our students have remained at or above grade level, and participants in our most recent after-school program achieved an average of nine months of academic growth in just five months. These outcomes are measured using IXL Analytics, a nationally recognized assessment and progress-monitoring system that measures student proficiency and academic growth.
Through The Hardy Way, our comprehensive educational framework, we equip students with the academic proficiency, critical thinking, strategic thinking, leadership, financial capability, and lifelong learning skills they need to succeed in school, careers, and life.
Changing the Future, One Student at a Time
The Hardy Way
The Hardy Way is The Hardy Center's comprehensive educational framework for preparing students to succeed in school, careers, and life.
We believe one simple truth:
Proficiency is the foundation.
Strong reading, mathematics, writing, and communication skills create the foundation for critical thinking, leadership, financial capability, and lifelong learning. Every tutoring session, STEM activity, mentoring relationship, and enrichment experience is intentionally designed around this philosophy.
At The Hardy Center, we blend tradition with innovation to offer a holistic range of programs that empower children, foster creativity, and support academic success, ensuring every child has the tools they need to thrive.
Ensuring Every Child has the Tools to Succeed
Afterschool Program
We offer a comprehensive afterschool program that fosters academic success, personal growth, and overall well-being. Our program, running September to March provides students in grades K-8 with homework assistance, personalized tutoring from retired teachers and college mentors, life skills coaching, and access to digital learning tools aligned with Ohio's curriculum.
Understanding the importance of proper nutrition, we also offer homemade, healthy meals daily to ensure students are well-fed and ready to thrive.
Tutoring is held Monday through Thursday, from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM, at The Hardy Center.
Summer Program
The Hardy Center’s 7-week Summer Program provides a full-day, safe, and enriching environment for children in the Linden community. Running weekdays from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, the program blends academics with creativity, physical activity, and personal growth to keep students learning and thriving all summer long.
Through our food program, we ensure every child receives nutritious meals and snack daily, supporting both health and focus.
In addition to academic support, our program features:
Social-emotional learning to build confidence, empathy, and self-awareness
Workforce and career development and exploration
STEM/STEAM and Responsible AI initiatives
And the learning doesn’t stop there! Students dive into a wide range of enrichment experiences, including:
Art, Theater, and African Drum & Dance
LEGO™ Learning, Chess, and Industrial Arts
Fencing, Unicycling, Karate, and Swimming
Gardening, Nutrition Education, and so much more!
Our Impact at a Glance
1400+
Students Tutored
1 million+
Meals Served
70%
Students at or above grade level
Sponsor a Hardy Kid
Together, we’re building brighter futures—one student, one meal, one success story at a time. Be the reason a child in Linden gets the support they need to dream bigger and achieve more.
Every gift to The Hardy Center helps unlock a brighter future for children in underserved communities. Your support provides nutritious meals, personalized tutoring, and safe, enriching spaces where students can learn, grow, and thrive. When you invest in our programs, you empower the next generation with the tools to break the cycle of poverty and reach their full potential.
Stay Connected, Make an Impact!
Our newsletter shares real stories of growth from right here in Linden—highlighting the children we serve, the families we walk alongside, and the programs making a difference every day. You’ll get updates on after-school and summer opportunities, family resources, community events, and ways our supporters are helping build a brighter future for every child. Whether you’re a parent, neighbor, volunteer, or donor—this is your inside look at the impact we’re creating together.