A Tribe for Jazz, YMCA & COTA Unite to Empower 200+ Youth
Jul 16, 2025
COLUMBUS, Ohio — On July 17, over 200 YMCA youth from across Central Ohio will take part in Jazz Lab Summer Experience at Fort Hayes — with COTA paving the way. July 17 will mark a powerful moment of connection and creativity for more than 200 Central Ohio youth, as A Tribe for Jazz, in collaboration with YMCA of Central Ohio and COTA, presents YMCA Day at the Jazz Lab Summer Experience at Fort Hayes.
This bold partnership isn’t just about programming — it’s about possibility.
The event is made possible in part by the City of Columbus Summer Programming Grant, which supports accessible, high-quality experiences for historically underserved Columbus youth. Support from COTA helps ensure more young people have the opportunity to participate, removing barriers and creating pathways to cultural access, inspiration, and future careers.
“At COTA, we believe access is the foundation of opportunity,” said COTA President/CEO Monica Téllez-Fowler. “We’re proud to support programs that help young people across our region connect with experiences that inspire, educate, and empower them to imagine a brighter future.”
Jazz Lab Summer Experience, created by A Tribe for Jazz, is a hands-on, immersive program where youth explore music, technology, and the arts through culturally relevant labs — from composing in virtual reality to remixing code, prototyping in the JazzFab Lab, and envisioning bold Black futures through STEAM.
“This isn’t a field trip. It’s a launch pad,” said Stephanie Matthews, Executive Director of A Tribe for Jazz. “When we remove barriers and create intentional access points, young people get to see themselves in powerful new ways — as artists, engineers, producers, and leaders. That’s what this day is about.”
“This event is a perfect example of what it means to nurture the full potential of all youth,” said Tony Collins, President & CEO of the YMCA of Central Ohio. “When we connect young people to creativity, especially through the arts and partnerships like this, we’re creating access, opening doors, and helping kids walk through them with confidence.”
Together, A Tribe for Jazz, the YMCA of Central Ohio, and COTA are modeling what it means to build real access — and real community — through creative, cross-sector collaboration.
Media Contacts:
Jeff Pullin, COTA, pullinjd@cota.com
Connor Kurek, YMCA, connor.kurek@ymcacolumbus.org
Stephanie Matthews, A Tribe for Jazz, smatthews@atribeforjazz.org
About COTA (Central Ohio Transit Authority)
The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) is the region’s mobility solutions provider, driven each day to connect people to prosperity through innovation, dedication, and teamwork. By utilizing technology and data, establishing community partnerships, and applying sustainability principles, COTA provides access to jobs, healthcare, and education. COTA is modernizing public transit through the $8 billion LinkUS initiative, which includes expansion of bus service, launching rapid transit corridors, and working with communities to build 500 miles of sidewalk, trails, and bikeways. Learn more at COTA.com and LinkUSColumbus.com
About YMCA of Central Ohio
The YMCA of Central Ohio is committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. With locations throughout the region, the YMCA serves individuals and families through accessible programs and partnerships that empower individuals to reach their full potential.
About A Tribe for Jazz
A Tribe for Jazz is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the legacy and advancing the future of jazz through storytelling, education, and live performance. With a focus on youth engagement and cultural access, A Tribe for Jazz creates immersive, multi-sensory programs that inspire, educate, and build pathways to creative careers.