Our Impact
History of WrightChoice
Since its founding in 2002, WrightChoice has been a driving force in empowering youth ages 17-24. With a well-established record of success, WrightChoice has created and managed impactful workforce development programs tailored to the needs of this demographic, operating across both community and campus settings. The organization’s achievements are anchored in strong partnerships and an outstanding reputation within the Central Ohio community.
WrightChoice served as a catalyst connecting college students from diverse backgrounds with opportunities at renowned companies like Walmart, Honda, BMW Financial Services, Nationwide Insurance, State Farm, Elford Construction, Limited Brands, Ohio Health, Columbus Zoo and more. These partnerships offered hands-on experience across various industries, equipping students with essential skills and professional networks to thrive post graduation.
WrightChoice's partnership with Wright State University and the Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities exemplifies its commitment to inclusive support, particularly for students with disabilities. Through this collaboration, WrightChoice assisted over 300 students, providing a comprehensive suite of services, including case management, internship placement, professional development, and disability advocacy. These efforts yielded transformative outcomes, helping participants build essential skills and gain confidence as they transitioned into the workforce.
Another significant partnership was with the Central Ohio Workforce Investment Corporation’s Summer Youth Employment Program, which served low-income individuals aged 18-24. Through this initiative, WrightChoice enhanced participants' work readiness by offering career exploration, paid internships, and intensive professional development. With a network of over 60 employment sites—including notable companies like Fifth Third Bank, OhioHealth, and OSU East Hospital—WrightChoice has created learning opportunities for different career pathways. From 2009 to 2015, nearly 40% of employers extended internships beyond the initial period, and over 90% of these interns received high-performance evaluations. WrightChoice’s commitment to program excellence is evident in these outcomes and in the long-standing relationships it maintains with partner organizations.
In 2016, WrightChoice strategically paused its services as founder Tykiah Wright-Wilson pursued an opportunity in corporate America with the vision of driving change from within. During her three-year tenure with a Fortune 500 company, she managed strategic partnerships, revitalized an employee resource group (ERG) for disability advocacy that
was on the verge of being sunset, and spearheaded the relaunch of the Diversabilities ERG. Wright-Wilson also chaired the community partnership committee for the African American women’s ERG, where she launched the first high school mentoring program specifically for Black and Brown girls—an initiative that paved the way for young women to explore and achieve their professional aspirations.
The onset of the pandemic presented unforeseen challenges, including workforce layoffs. Yet, this period of adversity marked the beginning of a new chapter for WrightChoice. Seizing the moment, Wright-Wilson relaunched the organization with a renewed focus on mentoring, ensuring that students from underrepresented backgrounds could continue building crucial career skills and professional networks. Since then, WrightChoice Mentoring has connected over 100 students with mentors, emphasizing support for students from marginalized communities, including racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with diverse abilities and neurodiversities, LGBTQ+ youth, and first-generation college
students.
Mentorship pairings are based on shared career interests, complemented by other secondary matching characteristics. With mentees and mentors located across various states—including Georgia, North Carolina, California, Mississippi, Illinois, and Arizona—WrightChoice has a broad reach, though the majority of students served reside in Ohio. Through these connections, WrightChoice helps students carve meaningful paths toward their futures, guided by mentors who are dedicated, compassionate, and committed to their success.
In 2024, WrightChoice introduced the LYNKX2College Mentoring Program, a pilot initiative that matches high school seniors with mentors to support their critical first-year college experience. Currently, students in this program are attending institutions like The Ohio State University, Wright State University, and Alabama State University. WrightChoice is excited to expand this program, building a supportive bridge for young people from marginalized communities as they navigate the transition from high school to college, with the guidance and encouragement of caring mentors.
