Columbus Promise of free college for city schools grads renewed
Campus News | Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Public and private funding partners are collaborating to raise $25 million for this next phase of the program, building on the successes of its three-year introductory pilot
The Columbus Promise that offers Columbus City Schools graduates the opportunity to earn a certificate or degree at Columbus State Community College will now be in place through their class of 2027. Leaders from program partners the City of Columbus and I Know I Can joined with city schools and college officials to provide details about its continuation at a celebratory announcement Feb. 3, 2025.
Public and private funding partners have committed to raise $25 million to cover the remaining costs associated with the initial three cohorts of Columbus Promise Scholars and fully fund an additional three cohorts in the fall of 2025, 2026 and 2027. More than three-fifths of the fundraising goal is already pledged, with $10 million committed from the city.
“The Columbus Promise is creating transformational gains for our students, their families, and our entire community,” said Dr. David Harrison, Columbus State president. “The continued commitment of the Promise partners and the remarkable philanthropic support of regional employers show an investment in Promise has a powerful return on investment for our Scholars, the central Ohio workforce, and our community at large.”
The Columbus Promise program has more than doubled the number of Columbus City Schools graduates enrolling in Columbus State since its introduction in 2022, and increased the district’s college-going rate from 32 to 50%. The program covers tuition and fees over up to six consecutive semesters, as long as three academic years to enable students to enroll part time, and provides a $500 stipend per enrolled semester, as well as extensive wraparound academic and career support services. As of Autumn 2024, 42 Promise Scholars have graduated with an associate degree, and another 120 have completed a certificate.
Following the pilot funding by a $5 million commitment from the City of Columbus and an additional $5.6 million raised from 25-plus private and philanthropic partners, the city has now committed $10 million to extend Columbus Promise with multiple lead donors pledging a total of $5.5 million. Installed Building Products and Edwards Companies is providing $3 million, the Cardinal Health Foundation is providing $2 million, and IGS Energy is providing $500,000, alongside investing in its paid internships for Promise Scholars. Nearly half of the funding raised from the current $25 million campaign will fund tuition, fees, and stipends for students, and the remaining portion will go toward programming for Columbus City Schools students and Promise scholars.
“We’re bringing good jobs to Central Ohio, but unless kids raised in Columbus neighborhoods can get the education to fill them, then our region’s growth will leave longtime residents and families behind. The Columbus Promise is how everyone gets a piece of our prosperity,” said Shannon G. Hardin, Columbus City Council president.
“The Columbus Promise continues to be a transformative opportunity for our students, breaking down barriers to higher education and opening doors to brighter futures. As we launch Phase 2 of this groundbreaking program, I am proud to see our community unite, investing in our Scholars' success,” said Dr. Angela Chapman, Columbus City Schools superintendent and CEO.
“We truly appreciate the strong sense of support and collaboration the Columbus region has shown us over the past three years,” said Katina Fullen, I Know I Can CEO. “We look forward to a successful fundraising campaign, ensuring that future cohorts of Columbus City Schools students can build bright futures for themselves and our community.”
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