The Columbus Promise program that allows Columbus City Schools students to attend Columbus State tuition free will be expanding.
A Phase 2 campaign launched Monday morning with a goal to raise $25 million.
The plan is to continue the program for high school graduates from 2025 through 2027.
Columbus City Schools' Superintendent Angela Chapman said at least 2,250 more students can pursue college without worrying about tuition and fees.
“This phase isn't just about access. It's about ensuring that all of our core students thrive in college and beyond,” said Chapman. “We're strengthening academic supports, particularly in math and English, so that our students are fully prepared for college-level coursework.”
Since the Columbus Promise program started in fall 2021, the number of CCS grads attending Columbus State has more than doubled to 850 students last year.
The program covers tuition and fees, and a $500 per semester stipend. It also provides wraparound academic and career support services.
“We learned a lot in Phase 1 from our students and about our students,” said Kantina Fullen, CEO of the Columbus nonprofit I Know I Can. “And so, as we think about Phase 2, it really is about taking the lessons learned from Phase 1 and putting those lessons together into a new and improved system of supports for our students.”
The City of Columbus has committed $10 million for Phase 2 of the program. Other donations have come from the private sector including $2 million from Cardinal Health.
“The data from the first phase of this program is encouraging,” said Jerome Revish, senior vice president and chief technology officer at Cardinal Health. “We're confident and excited about all the opportunities that the promise will continue to offer to students, many of whom are continuing, who are looking to prepare for careers in in-demand fields like health care.”
Other companies that have also contributed to Columbus Promise include the Edwards Companies, IGS Energy and Installed Building Products.
A total of 42 Promise scholars have graduated from Columbus State College with an associate degree, while another 120 students have completed a certificate.
