CREATORS, ORIGINATORS & INNOVATORS OF TOMORROW WORKFORCE INITIATIVE

The Creators, Originators & Innovators of Tomorrow Workforce Initiative (COITWI) is a paid internship program for high school students offered through the Rickenbacker Woods Foundation, located on the campus of the historic childhood home of Captain Eddie Rickenbacker. Focused on empowering the next generation of community-minded leaders, COITWI blends history, innovation, and skill development to provide meaningful pathways for youth in Columbus.

What is COITWI? COITWI is more than an internship. It is a hands-on learning experience that gives students the opportunity to:

Design and Build Projects: Interns contribute to community revitalization by creating public art, redesigning parks like “Livingston Reads: Our Storybook Park,” and building gardens that promote health, sustainability, and beauty in historically underinvested neighborhoods.
Engage in STEAM Learning: Interns participate in immersive workshops in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics, gaining real-world skills in digital media, design thinking, artificial intelligence, and more.
Lead Civic Engagement Projects: Interns help plan and host public events such as Memorial Day veteran celebrations, community festivals, and anti-violence initiatives in partnership with citywide youth groups.
Preserve and Share Local History: Participants research and tell the stories of Eddie Rickenbacker and Granville T. Woods—two Columbus legends whose lives inspire the program’s themes of resilience, invention, and leadership. Their work contributes to exhibit planning for the upcoming Rickenbacker Woods Museum.
Explore Ohio’s Cultural and Educational Landscape: Interns take educational field trips to museums, colleges, historical landmarks, and cultural neighborhoods throughout Ohio—including Antioch College, Central State University, Cleveland Natural History Museum, Amish Country, and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center to name a few.

Why Join COITWI?

Receive a paid internship while developing valuable life and career skills.
Build a strong resume and college application portfolio through project-based learning and leadership training.
Gain exposure to higher education, public speaking, historical research, and civic responsibility.
Be part of a youth-led program that is reshaping how communities engage young people in meaningful work.

Who Can Apply? We are seeking high school students (grades 10–12) who will be enrolled for the 2025–2026 academic year. Ideal candidates are curious, motivated, and committed to using creativity and leadership to impact their communities.

How to Apply? Applications open soon. If selected for an interview, students are encouraged to bring a letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, coach, or other non-family adult who can speak to your strengths.

When? COITWI will operate September 2025 through December 2025. Apply today!

Program days will be Tuesday and Thursday after school and on Saturday. Interested students should apply below.
If chosen for an interview, applicants are encouraged to bring a letter of recommendation (not written by a family member).

Please complete the following information:

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We actively encourage diverse candidates to apply. RWF provides equal employment opportunities to all employees, contractors and applicants without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, genetic information, or veteran status.