Connection

We help prospective students and applicants start strong at Columbus State.

Our goal is to connect with all students to help them become ready for success in college, whether they desire to enter the workforce within two years or pursue further studies at a four-year institution.

We know that a new student orientation program is the foundation for college success, and 2017 study results from our new student orientation program at Columbus State prove just that – students who attended orientation were more likely to enroll, have a successful first semester, and continue their studies into the next semester.

Launched as a pilot in 2014, the program has expanded into a daylong experience for all new students. They meet with representatives from Academic Advising, Financial Aid and Career Service, and participate in student academic support and parent and family sessions.

The College’s STEM Summer Bridge Program provides a valuable jump-start for incoming first-year students interested in the fields of science, engineering, math and medicine. The program is offered at no cost to participants, and helps students adjust to college curriculum and expectations. Students experience classroom learning on campus, meet our faculty, and connect with peers who also have an interest in STEM.

We are excited to invite new and returning students to enter or update their chosen names and pronouns, especially during the pandemic while we are forced to offer most courses in an online format. Being addressed by your preferred name or nickname is one way we hope to make you feel more comfortable learning with us.

High School Programs

In addition to helping entering college students, Columbus State works enhance college readiness among high school students through multiple programs.

Credits Count, a $5 million, five-year American Electric Power Foundation grant to the Columbus State Community College Foundation, engages students from several Columbus City high schools and middle schools to explore STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields. The program introduces students to careers they may otherwise never have considered, and helps prepare them for college-level courses while still in high school. By graduation, students will have earned credits that count toward a certificate in a STEM-related career or toward a college degree. The Investing in Innovation (i3) $11.5 million grant is further expanding our reach and improving college and career readiness for thousands of students in 16 low-income schools in Central Ohio

Through College Credit Plus, students from more than 50 high schools in the Central Ohio area are taking advantage of Columbus State classes and earning dual credit — high school and college credit — at no extra cost while they are still in high school. During the Autumn 2018 semester, more than 5,000 high school students registered to earn college credit through Columbus State.

Learn more about some other ways we connect with students early on:

• Summer programs in the high schools and at Columbus State; and
• Online assessment tools such as Career Coach, which help students explore career, academic and financial plans.