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The Somali Community Association of Ohio (SCAO) is an officially recognized 501 (C)(3) non-profit organization founded by Somali immigrants in 1996. It is Central Ohio's leading voice for Somali immigrants and first grass-roots organization to serve the Somali refugee community.
Mission We advocate and promote self-sufficiency for families through employment, education, cultural and social support and economic empowerment. We serve elders, working adults, teens and children at no charge. Special support and attention goes to recent immigrants who seek to create new lives in the United States. Learn more about our services. Funding The Somali Community Association of Ohio relies on donations, grants and other fundraising activities. We welcome the support of community leaders and volunteers who understand that immigrants and new citizens are critical to American exceptionalism. You can get involved by making a donation to SCAO or by volunteering your time to help. |
Did you know?
Columbus, OH is home to the second largest community of Somali immigrants in the United States. It is a community that places very high value on academics and business entrepreneurship.
Business
Immigrants benefit their communities by bringing millions of dollars to the local economy. The Somali people play an important role in helping our economy thrive here in Columbus, OH, and take great pride in a naturally strong, independent entrepreneurial spirit. Somali professionals contribute to our local community as accomplished doctors, nurses, lawyers, teachers, IT experts, entrepreneurs and more. Franklin County also graduated its first Somali law enforcement officer in May 2015. Over 500 independent Somali businesses contribute to the diverse local culture in the Columbus area, including many retail shops, restaurants and specialized trades.
Many local Somali women are leaders in business. In the News section on this site, read about the leadership role that Somali women play in business today.
Academics
Academics are a priority in the Somali community, with thousands of Somali students attending Ohio colleges and universities.
These forward thinking students excel in a wide range of specialties and attend many Ohio colleges including The Ohio State University, Columbus State University, Ohio Dominican, Capital University, Otterbein University, Miami University, Kenyon College, University of Toledo, University of Cincinnati, Ohio University and more. Somali students commonly pursue fields that require graduate degrees. Fields of study include medicine, public health, pharmaceuticals, law, engineering, industrial design, business (e.g., accounting, marketing, logistics, finance), public affairs and many other graduate level programs.
All of these students look forward to making a real difference in their chosen fields. This pursuit of higher education has led to several local Fulbright scholars and a Rhodes scholar, in addition to many other graduates who continue to give back to their communities as professionals.
Business
Immigrants benefit their communities by bringing millions of dollars to the local economy. The Somali people play an important role in helping our economy thrive here in Columbus, OH, and take great pride in a naturally strong, independent entrepreneurial spirit. Somali professionals contribute to our local community as accomplished doctors, nurses, lawyers, teachers, IT experts, entrepreneurs and more. Franklin County also graduated its first Somali law enforcement officer in May 2015. Over 500 independent Somali businesses contribute to the diverse local culture in the Columbus area, including many retail shops, restaurants and specialized trades.
Many local Somali women are leaders in business. In the News section on this site, read about the leadership role that Somali women play in business today.
Academics
Academics are a priority in the Somali community, with thousands of Somali students attending Ohio colleges and universities.
These forward thinking students excel in a wide range of specialties and attend many Ohio colleges including The Ohio State University, Columbus State University, Ohio Dominican, Capital University, Otterbein University, Miami University, Kenyon College, University of Toledo, University of Cincinnati, Ohio University and more. Somali students commonly pursue fields that require graduate degrees. Fields of study include medicine, public health, pharmaceuticals, law, engineering, industrial design, business (e.g., accounting, marketing, logistics, finance), public affairs and many other graduate level programs.
All of these students look forward to making a real difference in their chosen fields. This pursuit of higher education has led to several local Fulbright scholars and a Rhodes scholar, in addition to many other graduates who continue to give back to their communities as professionals.
