Columbus State Community College Foundation & Alumni Network

The Columbus Promise of free college for Columbus City Schools students will now extend through its 2027 graduating class. Thanks to ongoing funding from the City of Columbus - City Hall and multiple lead donors — Installed Building Products and Edwards Companies, the Cardinal Health Foundation, and IGS Energy — these grads are guaranteed access to a free education at Columbus State Community College.

The Columbus Promise has nearly doubled college-going rates among Columbus City Schools grads since its launch in 2022. The program’s funding continuation is expected to bring more than 2,000 additional Promise Scholars to Columbus State! Thanks to our additional partners Columbus City Council and I Know I Can as we all celebrate this great next step for our community.

Shannon G. Hardin Mayor Andrew J. Ginther

The Columbus State Foundation proudly celebrates Dr. Keith B. Key for 20 outstanding years of service to our Board of Directors! Since 2004, Dr. Key has given of his time generously and encouraged Columbus State to think bigger and bolder.

Dr. Key served as Board Chair for two years and is a major donor to the Foundation, including investment in the college’s Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts building, Mitchell Hall. The Keith & Donica Key Outdoor Amphitheater is named for him and his wife.

Dr. Key also served as the speaker at Columbus State’s 195th Commencement in December 2017, seeking to inspire tomorrow’s leaders to stay connected and give back to their communities.

Thank you, Dr. Keith B. Key for two decades of leadership in advancing educational opportunity at Columbus State Community College and beyond.

This Giving Tuesday, consider making a donation to the Mid-Ohio Market at Columbus State in honor of our hardworking students. Thousands of students rely on the Mid-Ohio Market to provide groceries and meals so they can focus on what really matters—getting an education.

Your gifts, no matter the size, make a huge impact on the central Ohio community. Together, our donors continue to provide access to life-changing resources.

Join fellow alumni and supporters of Columbus State Community College, and make a gift today. https://buff.ly/3ZiGFxF

It was an exciting morning of fellowship as Columbus State Community College hosted eight tables for conversation as part of The Columbus Foundation annual Big Table event. We’re proud to be a part of conversations that foster dialogue, understanding, and kindness across our community!

This spring, the Columbus State Foundation launched the Mini Grants program, which allows faculty and staff to apply for awards to support impactful initiatives at the college. Awards are made twice per year and are selected by a committee of Foundation board members.
The inaugural application cycle yielded seven successful proposals, benefiting language learning, technology in our library, students in aviation maintenance, and more. We are excited to share the impact of these funds as they benefit our students and campus community over the coming year!

For over 30 years Taste the Future has been a premier culinary event that supports student success right in our backyard. Thank you to CityScene for including us in the “Best Charitable Gala” category on this year’s “Best of the Bus” survey. Support for Taste the Future ensures that everyone has access to affordable, quality education that can change their lives. We couldn’t host Taste the Future without the dozens of food and beverage partners who show up with their best bites, year after year. We’re proud to see so many of them on this list next to us. Thank you for making us the best, tastiest party of the summer. Go vote https://buff.ly/3vwKbd5!

We aren’t just headed to a more equitable future—we’re running towards it! This year runners, walkers, and generous donors will once again show their support for student success by participating in two 5k races that benefit Columbus State Community College students.

Join us on Saturday, April 27 for the Columbus Promise 5k hosted by M3S Sports or on Saturday, May 5 for the Cougar 5k hosted by the Columbus State Staff Advisory Council and invest in life-changing opportunities for students.

To participate in the Columbus Promise 5k click here: https://capitalcityhalfmarathon.com/

To sign up for the Cougar 5k click here: https://runsignup.com/Race/OH/Delaware/ColumbusStateCougar5kChallenge

We are grateful to operate in a community that joins together to expand opportunities for everyone.

As the year comes to a close, we’re asking you to donate to the Columbus State Community College Foundation and give the gift of support to thousands of students in the new year.

Thanks to our generous donors, the Foundation bolsters student success through programs, scholarships, and emergency funds that provide transformational opportunities. Learn more and donate today: https://foundation.cscc.edu/

Make a donation to the Columbus State Foundation today and fund the resources that help first-generation students make the most of their time in school. As a first-generation student and African immigrant, Ella knew that it would be difficult to navigate the college environment on an entirely new continent. She did it anyway.

Thanks to scholarships and an encouraging campus community, Ella was able to graduate from Columbus State having served in numerous student leadership positions and with several awards and speaking engagements under her belt. Now, she’s transferred to Princeton University to continue studying computer science.

Your gift today helps thousands of students like Ella get an affordable education in a supportive environment, and graduate well-prepared for a vibrant future, wherever their next steps may take them. It’s time to give: https://buff.ly/3lccmEj

Make a donation to the Columbus State Foundation today and fund the emergency support students need beyond the classroom. Like many students, D’Tron found that scholarships weren’t enough—he needed extra help to address basic needs so he could bring his best effort to his schoolwork.
Emergency funding that provides Cougars with assistance on rent, food, transportation, and more means D’Tron can focus on his goals: student leadership positions, classes in performing arts, and founding D.R.A.M.A. Club, a safe space for people to express themselves through theater.
Your generosity allows students like D’Tron to focus on pursuing their education, not worrying about unexpected expenses or their next meal. It’s time to give: https://foundation.cscc.edu/