Preparing the Critical Thinkers, Problem Solvers, and Contributors to Society the Future Demands.

From proficiency to purpose.

The Hardy Center created The HARDY Way- a proven educational framework that develops academic proficiency critical thinking, leadership, workforce readiness, and character so children can participate meaningfully in school, the community and their future work places.

Explore The HARDY Way
Our Outcomes

THE HARDY WAY

Our proven educational framework.

DISCOVER THE HARDY WAY

OUR MISSION

We build the critical thinkers, problem solvers, and contributors to society the future demands.

OUR VISION

Transforming underserved communities one Hardy Kid at a time.

OUR IMPACT BY THE NUMBERS

THE HARDY WAY IN ACTION

Afterschool Academic Achievement Program

Building strong academic foundations through personalized instruction, high expectations, and proven results.

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Summer Pathways Program

Connecting academics to STEM, skilled trades, responsible AI, entrepreneurship, and real-world problem solving.

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Continuum of Growth

Afterschool Academic Achievement Program

Our Afterschool Academic Achievement Program builds the strong academic skills, habits and confidence that prepares students for future success.

  • High-dose tutoring

  • Academic support in ELA and math

  • Standardized test prep

  • Ongoing assessments to track academic growth

THE FOUNDATION

Summer Pathways Program

In the summer, students apply their skills to exciting real-world experiences that expand their horizons and deepen their learning.

  • Academic review to prevent summer learning loss

  • Hands-on enrichment classes

  • Field trips and community experiences

  • Create solutions to real community needs through capstone projects

THE CONTINUATION & APPLICATION

Afterschool is Almost Here!

Afterschool is Almost Here!

Building on Classroom Learning. Expanding What’s Possible.

Hiring for the 2026–2027 Afterschool Academic Achievement Program is underway.

We’re looking for passionate educators, tutors, mentors, and volunteers to join our team and build on the strong foundation students develop in the classroom.

Together, we provide additional opportunities for students to strengthen their skills, explore their interests, and move from proficiency to purpose.

Explore Opportunities ->

Hear from Our Educators

“Watching students grasp new concepts and grow is so rewarding. Teaching long division and seeing that “Aha!” moment was a highlight. This program has shown me the value of being a role model and helping younger generations succeed.”

— Jack Slivken, Former Tutor

“The most rewarding moment has been watching my students make progress and realize what they are capable of. Seeing students who were hesitant at the beginning become more confident, complete work independently, and proudly share their learning has reminded me why I became a teacher. Their excitement and growth have made this summer a very rewarding experience.”

— Natashia Amoako, Summer Teacher

“For the last four years, we have valued the opportunity to support the professional development of our pre-service teachers through working with The Hardy Center programs. We regularly encourage our students to consider working with the THC’s year-long tutoring program or the summer enrichment program..”

— Dr. Marlissa Stauffer, Chair of the Division of Education at Ohio Dominican University

“Impactful is one of the words to describe [The Hardy Center’s] programming because of the outcomes we see from the youth who come to our school and have had the Hardy Center experience…we’ve had the opportunity to see changes in youth overall mood and behavior, increase in grades and performance in the classroom and the impact on their esteem and how they view themselves.”

— Tiffany Al-Lateef, Former Assistant Principal at KIPP Columbus

Stay Connected!

Fall Break Reminder! The HARDY Center will be closed October 12th–16th. We hope our HARDY kids, families, and staff enjoy a restful week! We’ll see everyone back when the Afterschool Academic Achievement Program resumes on October 19th!
And just like that, our first week is in the books! Our HARDY kids had a great first week of the 2026–2027 Afterschool Academic Achievement Program. Students wrapped up their IXL diagnostics, began working one-on-one with their tutors, and sta
Yesterday, we welcomed our Hardy Kids back for the 2026–2027 Afterschool Academic Achievement Program, and what a way to start the year! Our first day was all about getting settled in, getting to know one another through a fun get-to-know-you
Today is the day! We’re welcoming our HARDY kids back for the 2026–2027 Afterschool Academic Achievement Program! We’re so excited to see our students, reconnect with our HARDY families, and get to work supporting our kids as they
The HARDY Center team has been out in the community connecting with the next generation of educators, mentors, and youth leaders at career fairs across Columbus. We’ve visited Ohio Dominican University, The Ohio State University, Otterbein Uni
We’re grateful to have had The HARDY Center represented at the Big Table hosted by The Columbus Foundation by our Executive Director, Stephen Garland. Thank you to Doug Kridler for the invitation and for creating space for The HARDY Center to
This Saturday, we hosted our first tutor training session of the year, welcoming both new and returning tutors to the HARDY team. Together, we focused on youth protection, day-to-day expectations, and the responsibility that comes with being part of
Want to work at The HARDY Center? We’re hiring afterschool tutors to join our Afterschool Academic Achievement Program. Help HARDY Kids build academic proficiency, confidence, and the skills they need to turn learning into purpose. Apply now
What does it mean to go from proficiency to purpose? The HARDY Way is how we put that philosophy into practice. Through eight pillars, we intentionally develop the skills and dispositions students need to move beyond academic success and become conf
We believe academic proficiency is a foundation, not the finish line. Our work helps students build the knowledge and skills they need to succeed today while developing the confidence, critical thinking, problem-solving, and sense of purpose to con
What we do starts with a belief: potential is everywhere. Opportunity is not. At The HARDY Center, our mission is clear: we build the critical thinkers, problem solvers, and contributors to society the future demands. Our vision is the culmination
This Labor Day, we’re reminiscing on one of our favorite moments from this summer: watching our kindergarteners learn about and celebrate community helpers. For their project, they dressed up as a community helper and shared about their job an