How Columbus Afterschool Initiative for Middle School (AIMS) Pioneers Collective Impact to Empower and Uplift Youth

Over the past several years, the City of Columbus, Ohio has made significant investments in school and afterschool programming. In the proposed 2025 budget, Mayor Andrew J. Ginther allocated $26.8 million for summer, after-school, and job-readiness programming to keep Columbus youth safe, active, and engaged.

This substantial investment underscores the city’s commitment to creating safe, structured environments for youth. By prioritizing afterschool programming, the city ensures that students have access to opportunities that foster growth, belonging, and resilience.

One of the standout initiatives supported by this funding is the Afterschool Initiative for Middle School (AIMS Columbus). This collective impact effort brings together partners to create vibrant, high-quality afterschool opportunities for middle school students—grounded in collaboration, outcome measurement, and data-driven decision-making.

To ensure the effectiveness and accountability of these programs, AIMS Columbus implemented SureImpact’s data collection, reporting, and analytics platform, all funded programs within the collaborative have access to real-time information on their impact. This includes seamless roll-up of program outputs and outcomes, enabling comprehensive reporting on the effectiveness of these initiatives.

Mayor Ginther highlighted the importance of in-depth outcome measurement for demonstrating impact and securing continued funding:

“By measuring the outcomes of our afterschool programs, we can ensure that we are providing the best possible support for our youth. This data allows us to see what is working and where we need to make improvements, ensuring that every dollar spent is making a real difference in the lives of our children.”

AIMS Columbus’s use of SureImpact exemplifies why it is imperative for nonprofits to commit to tracking outcomes data; these programs provide clear evidence of success and areas for improvement. This data-driven approach enhances transparency and accountability while strengthening the case for current and future funding.

AIMS + SureImpact Results At a Glance

The programs didn’t just keep students busy, they helped them thrive. On average, 83% of students reported positive outcomes across all measures of safety, respect, relationships, and personal growth. Nearly nine out of ten students said they felt safe in their program and enjoyed positive relationships with peers and staff. A similar percentage felt listened to and respected, reinforcing the program’s commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment.

Beyond safety and respect, the impact extended to personal development: 78% of participants said they became a better version of themselves, reflecting growth in confidence and self-awareness. Perhaps most telling, three out of four students would recommend the program to a friend, a strong indicator of trust and satisfaction among youth.

Why It Matters

In a landscape where funding decisions are increasingly influenced by measurable outcomes, AIMS Columbus’s proactive stance on impact measurement sets a powerful example. It demonstrates that with the right tools and commitment, impact collaboratives can continue making a positive difference in their communities, effectively showcase their impact, and secure necessary resources.

Download the AIMS Columbus case study.