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    City, Partners Announces Free Community College for Columbus City Schools Seniors

    City leaders have announced phase one of the Columbus Promise program: tuition-free education at Columbus State Community College for Columbus City Schools graduating seniors. 

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    Students who graduate from Columbus City Schools during phase one of the program—classes of 2022, 2023, and 2024—complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and submit an application to Columbus State can attend the community college full-time or part-time for up to six semesters, to complete a two-year degree or shorter certificate program.

    According to a press release, the City of Columbus, with partners at Columbus State Community College, I Know I Can, and Columbus City Schools, developed the Columbus Promise initiative based on a national model used in other cities and states.

    “If we want Columbus to be the best place in America to learn, earn, and find your career, then we as a community need to make bold investments in education,” said Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin in a statement. “Our city has too many folks working hard, not earning enough, while simultaneously good-paying jobs sit unfilled. The Columbus Promise is a strategy to get our young people the skills and credentials they need to be prepared for the jobs of today and tomorrow.”

    Once in college, students maintain funding as long as they maintain federal aid standards for satisfactory academic progress. In addition to covered tuition and fees, students in the Columbus Promise program will receive up to $1,000 annually for transportation, books, and other living expenses. Columbus State Community College will also implement wraparound career, academic, and financial supports for students.

    In order to ensure Columbus City Schools students are aware of the opportunity, I Know I Can and Columbus City Schools have committed to intensive marketing and recruitment over the course of the 2021-2022 school year. I Know I Can’s in-school college advising managers will also assist students in filling out the FAFSA and applying to Columbus State.

    Employers like Nationwide Insurance have also committed to supporting the program, by providing students access to “learn and earn” paid job and internship opportunities during their time at Columbus State.

    Research indicates that 65% of Central Ohio jobs will require a degree, certificate or other postsecondary workforce credentials by 2025. Columbus’ college attainment currently trails behind cities like Pittsburgh, Minneapolis, and Nashville, sitting at 49.2%. The pandemic and large racial inequities have likely made the 65% goal harder to reach.

    The estimated costs for phase one, including three years of Columbus State tuition and wraparound service support, amount to about $9.5 million and will be split between public and private sponsors.

    The City of Columbus is investing an initial $4 million toward the Columbus Promise Fund, which will be managed by the Columbus Foundation. Columbus State will contribute $1 million to fund student success efforts.

    The remaining $4.5 million will be raised from the private sector and philanthropy, according to the city. Over $1.5 million has been raised to date between commitments from American Electric Power, developer Jeff Edwards, Ram Rajadhyaksha of architectural/engineering firm DLZ, Denison University and the Columbus Foundation. 

    City leaders said declining post-secondary education rates pose a threat to economic mobility and economic competitiveness for Columbus residents as well as the region.

    “The only way we can reach our full potential as a city is if everyone shares in our collective success—and that means investing in every individual who calls Columbus home, especially our young people,” said Mayor Andrew Ginther in a statement.

    “While tuition-free college may be stalled nationally, the announcement of the Columbus Promise shows that momentum continues at the local and state level,” said Professor Michelle Miller-Adams of the Upjohn Institute and Grand Valley State University, who has consulted on similar programs. “By including part-time and DACA students, avoiding high GPA requirements, and offering aid beyond tuition and fees as well as wraparound success and transfer pathways, the Columbus Promise offers an example of strong program design that will benefit both students and the community.”

    The city will bring on external evaluators to analyze the impact of phase one of the Columbus Promise, which will inform program expansion to other school districts, universities, age ranges, and more.

    Columbus City Schools will host a virtual family engagement session on Thursday, Nov. 11, from 6 – 7 p.m. about the Columbus Promise. Visit ccsoh.us/RSVP for more.

    To learn more about the Columbus Promise, visit cbuspromise.com.

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    Taijuan Moorman
    Taijuan Moormanhttps://columbusunderground.com
    Taijuan Moorman is a former reporter and social media specialist for Columbus Underground and The Metropreneur who covered civics, arts, entertainment, lifestyle, and business news and features.
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