What is Crash Course Columbus?

Crash Course Columbus

Crash Course Columbus is a 3-month, cohort-based program (April-June) that unlocks connections across the city. Participants meet other newcomers and local movers-and-shakers through a series of guided tours, interactive “field trips,” and community experiences spanning neighborhoods, arts and culture, volunteerism, sports, and civic life.

Whether you’re new to Columbus, recently relocated for work, or simply want to feel more connected, this program is a fast track into the city and the CYP community.

If you're interested in enrolling, click “I’d like a crash course in Columbus" below! Once completed, a payment link will be sent separately.

Tuition + What’s Included

TUITION: $275 Early Bird or $350 Standard per person for the full 3-month experience (April-June).

Tuition includes:

  • Curated programming across six sessions + one bonus community activation (tours + facilitated experiences)

  • A printed Crash Course Columbus Passport Booklet (stamps/activities + neighborhood guide)

  • Food and drink experiences throughout the program (varies by session)

  • Admission/ticketed experiences where applicable (ex: sports night)

  • A complimentary ticket to A Taste of Columbus in the fall

  • Six months of CYPremium membership access (April-September)

  • A cohort community to help you meet people quickly and stay engaged

Tuition may be paid by the participant or an employer. Employers who would like to speak to us about sponsoring more than one associate may contact us.

Application Timeline

  • Applications open: February 23, 2026

  • Applications close: April 10, 2026

  • Enrollment + payment window: April 1-April 15, 2026
    (No formal interviews expected. We may do a quick LinkedIn verification and confirmation.)

Spring 2026 Session Dates + Experiences

  • Onboarding + Neighborhoods
    Wednesday, April 15, 2026 | 5:30-8:00pm

    German Village Walking Tour (includes food tastings at various local spots)
    Meet at German Village Meeting Haus

    FULL DETAILS

  • Downtown Columbus: Neighborhoods & History
    Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 12:30–3:00pm

    Guided bus tour of the urban core, landmarks, parks, and historic theaters (includes lunch from North Market)
    Meet at North Market

    FULL DETAILS

  • Arts & Culture Networking Night
    Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | Evening

    Arts, Humanities, and Leading for Change: Resources to Drive Impact in Columbus
    Meet at Shadowbox Live

    FULL DETAILS

  • Volunteerism & Giving Back at the Columbus Volunteer Festival
    Saturday, May 16, 2026 | 11:00am–2:00pm

    Interactive volunteer activity + team-building component (includes lunch from food trucks)
    Meet at Land-Grant Brewing’s Gravity Experience Park

  • Buckeyes 101: Behind the Scenes at OSU
    Wednesday, June 3, 2026 | 5:30–7:30pm

    Campus highlights + traditions (including Ohio Stadium tour)

  • Sports & City Traditions
    Tuesday, June 16, 2026 | Evening

    Columbus Clippers baseball game during Dime-A-Dog Night (includes game ticket + hot dogs + drink ticket); Group seating to keep the cohort together
    Meet at Huntington Park in the Arena District

  • Bonus Capstone Community Engagement
    Saturday, June 27, 2026 | 5:00pm

    Volunteer with CYP Club at The Grandview Hop Charity Beer Garden (includes t-shirt + drink tickets + swag bag)
    Chalk the Community Courtyard volunteer activation with CYP Club Cares

*Locations and final logistics for all sessions will be shared with enrolled participants.

Who Should Enroll?

Crash Course Columbus is a great fit for:

  • Anyone who has recently moved to Columbus (or Central Ohio)

  • Anyone who has lived here 3 years or less

  • New hires relocated by an employer

  • People looking to build friendships and community faster

  • Anyone who wants a structured way to explore Columbus neighborhoods and experiences

Questions or Sponsorship Interest?

If you’re an employer interested in enrolling new hires (or sponsoring a session experience), we’d love to connect. Call (614) 579-9390 or contact us here!