Making Central Ohio Stronger
In central Ohio — the fastest-growing region in the Midwest — Columbus State Community College is the catalyst for workforce development, economic mobility, and regional prosperity.
In 2020, Franklin County voters approved Issue 21, providing bond proceeds for college capital improvements and propelling Columbus State forward in pursuit of priorities and partnerships aimed at growing regional workforce talent and advancing lives. This is how we make central Ohio stronger.
Community Impact Report 2024: Making Central Ohio Stronger
This Community Impact Report reviews the past three years, a period of unprecedented activity and forward momentum for the college and the region it serves.
“Partnership” is the fundamental theme of this report and the thread that runs through everything we do at Columbus State. We’re excited to move forward, together, to make Central Ohio stronger.
Stronger Workforce
Columbus State is at the center of a number of partnerships aimed at developing the region’s workforce.
We’re partnering with OhioHealth to double the number of health care graduates in key fields over the next 10 years. We received a National Science Foundation grant to create an IT innovation education center. And as Intel, Amgen and Honda build new manufacturing facilities in central Ohio, we’re working with them to create training programs for the “Silicon Heartland.”
These efforts resulted in the White House naming our city as a national Workforce Hub, with Columbus State as its anchor institution. Keep reading to find out how Columbus State is helping build the workforce of the future.
Engineering Technology
Intel, Honda, LG, Amgen, Andelyn Biosciences, and other industry leaders are building their futures in central Ohio. We’re building the diverse, well-prepared talent pipeline they need.
Health Care
A partnership with OhioHealth will double graduates in key health care fields, supported by a new health care classroom building.
Information Technology
A federal grant and our deep local partnerships allow us to train the high-tech workers that central Ohio is looking for.
Child Care
Quality child care is a critical need for parents in the workforce. A new child care center will serve our students and employees and train child care workers for the region.
The Anchor Institution
We were built for this moment: Short-term training, developed with local industry partners, will create real economic mobility for central Ohioans.
Stronger Students
A commitment to advancing student success and closing equity gaps has earned Columbus State national recognition. We are one of only 20 winners of the Leah Meyer Austin Award, the highest honor a college can receive from Achieving the Dream, a national organization of 300 forward-thinking community colleges committed to ensuring that all students can access learning that propels them into rewarding careers and fulfilling lives.
Our student-success goal: grow the ranks of Columbus State graduates to more than 10,000 each year. In the past academic year, we took important steps forward, partnering to introduce the region’s first no-cost College Promise program and strengthening transfer partnerships that can make four-year bachelor’s degrees an affordable reality.
WE PUT STUDENTS FIRST. ALWAYS.
Columbus Promise
In the wake of the pandemic, we partnered with the city of Columbus to commit to tuition-free college for Columbus City Schools grads.
Graduation Success
Nearly 5,000 students finished an associate degree or a short-term certificate in 2022, making an immediate impact on the community (and their families’ earning potential).
Transfer Partnerships
Students can apply a two-year degree at Columbus State toward a degree at a four-year college, saving money and reducing student loan debt.
Stronger Community
As the community's trusted partner, Columbus State extends its impact beyond the college's boundaries through connections that benefit its students and central Ohio. By closely aligning its best-in-class Foundation and Grants offices, the college has embraced an advancement model to amplify that impact.
Advancement Highlights
Our generous donor community supported scholarships and basic student needs, culminating with our annual Taste the Future gala.
Housing Stability
Housing insecurity was a focus in 2023: Students can’t learn if they don’t have a safe place to stay.
COMPASS for Adult Students
The COMPASS program provides coaching and funding for Columbus residents who finished high school in the last few years and are looking for a career boost.
Capital Improvement
Check out some of the projects we have under way, such as:
- Nestor Hall Auditorium Renovation
- Center for Early Learning
- OhioHealth Center for Health Sciences
- $4.5 million in deferred maintenance
Columbus State is grateful to Franklin County voters for their generous April 2020 vote of confidence in Columbus State and its role in helping to ensure a stronger future for central Ohio. Proceeds generated by the approved bond issue (Issue 21)—in combination with existing college resources and funding provided by the state, city, and private philanthropy—have funded numerous campus improvements, with much more to come.
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Community Resources
In addition to our degree programs, we provide a number of services to the community at large. We also continually try new methods to improve teaching and learning, and report on best practices for other colleges.
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