By Okon Ekpenyong

Council President Shannon Hardin, Dr. David Harrison, Dr. Angela Chapman, and a representative from “I Know I Can” met at Columbus State Community College to provide updates on the pilot program’s progress. Promise Scholars like Pacheco Hernandez encourage minority and new American students to apply, as this opportunity is helping him pursue his education without financial burden. The deadline to apply for the third cohort Columbus program is July 15, 2024, and it is open only to graduates of Columbus City schools.

Pacheco Hernandez, originally from Mexico, has embarked on an impressive journey to intern with IGS. As the saying goes, nothing in life is guaranteed without hard work. Through his unwavering determination, others have recognized his potential. Thanks to the Columbus Promise initiative, which was established in 2021 through a partnership with the City of Columbus, Columbus State Community College, Columbus City Schools, and the “I Know I Can” initiative, Hernandez is not only advancing toward his American dream but also championing for others in his community.

IGS Energy is a retail provider of natural gas and electricity. Interning with this company has shown Hernandez the positive impact of the Columbus Promise program. Originally a three-year initiative, the program has extended its reach, with Silicon Heartland and Intel partnering with Columbus State for the Semiconductor Fundamentals Certificate program. As a result, students like Hernandez advocate for the program’s impact on their high school peers.

The ongoing success of the pilot program has led to talks of an extension of the program. For instance, the pilot phase received over 830 applicants this year, showing the initiative’s growth. The Columbus Promise program provides a life-changing opportunity for students in Columbus. Starting in 2021, it offers free college tuition to Columbus State Community College for Columbus City School seniors. The program aims to eliminate financial barriers and provide access to higher education for students, especially those from minority and new American backgrounds.

“We strongly encourage all students to apply to the program, as no GPA requirement makes it accessible to all students. Additionally, a part of the Columbus State Community College ensures that students receive the support they need while attending. The Columbus Promise occasionally puts together events to promote the initiative and encourage past and present scholars to attend. After the first cohort, we began focusing on creating a workforce initiative for the students, as they will need on-the-job training in addition to their studies,” Columbus City Schools superintendent Dr. Angela Chapman.

The program partners are discussing possibly expanding it to other school districts, postsecondary institutions, and a larger student population. With over fifty Promise Scholars participating in a unique internship with local employers such as Hernandez with IGS, the pilot program is leveraging its impacts and lessons learned in preparation for the extension.

Columbus Promise is a comprehensive program that aims to make higher education accessible and affordable for all. It covers all associate degrees and certificates for up to six semesters, regardless of citizenship, GPA, or part-time status. Once admitted to Columbus State, students must complete the FAFSA, and Columbus Promise will cover the remaining balance after the FAFSA. In addition to covering tuition and fees, the program also provides students with additional support, such as weekly meetings with representatives to coordinate their experience and access to workforce opportunities. Students also receive COTA bus passes and $500 in spending money per semester to assist with their educational journey.

In 2021, the Columbus Promise program started with 313 students enrolled in the fall semester and 159 in the spring semester. The following year, in 2022, enrollment increased to 694 in the fall and 507 in the spring. In 2023, 731 students enrolled in the fall and 552 in the spring. In 2024, approximately 894 applicants submitted applications for the fall semester, indicating the number of applicants, enrollment, and success rates.

Regarding workforce preferences, 24% of students opt for health science, while 20% choose business and hospitality services. Arts, humanities, and social sciences are the third choice at 16%, followed by STEM at 14% and biological, physical, and mathematical sciences at 10%. Engineering, manufacturing, and engineering are at 5%, while education, human services, and public safety are at 7%. Finally, construction and skilled trades come in at 4%.

It’s worth noting that the program has resulted in at least 58% of students becoming the first in their families to attend college, marking a 52% increase since its inception in 2021. Part-time enrollment has also risen by 56%, while there has been a 68% increase in academic support for students who became Columbus Promise Scholars. Additionally, a 78% increase in Pell-eligible students benefits from a federal government program to assist low-income individuals.

“Columbus Promise allowed me to concentrate on my education without worrying about tuition, a reality for many immigrant families wondering how to pay for school,” Hernandez said. Resources are available for immigrant students like Columbus Promise to help fund their education, but many of my friends, families, and others don’t know such a thing exists.

“After graduating from Columbus State, I planned to transfer to a four-year school to continue my education. Capital University is on his mind because it offers full tuition for up to two years for a similar program. According to Capital University, individuals interested in pursuing a college degree can sign up for their Capital Intensive English Program for students like Hernandez, who are learning English as a second language. Upon completing this program, which started in 1992, students have opportunities to look at different college options.

So, what exactly is the Columbus Promise? It is a partnership between Columbus City Schools, Columbus State Community College, and the City of Columbus. Through this program, students can earn a credential, an associate’s degree, or complete the first two years towards a bachelor’s degree, all without worrying about the cost of tuition.

The benefits of this program are immense. It allows students to pursue higher education and prepares them for the workforce. Columbus State Community College offers hundreds of programs, including in-demand healthcare, business, and information technology fields. That means that students can gain valuable skills and knowledge that will help them secure good-paying jobs.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Columbus Promise is its inclusivity. It is open to all seniors in Columbus City Schools, regardless of their background or academic performance. This primarily benefits minority and new American students, who may face additional challenges when accessing higher education. The program is a testament to the city’s commitment to providing equal opportunities for all its residents.

The funding for the Columbus Promise program is derived from a combination of public and private sources. This includes a substantial contribution of $4.5 million from the city of Columbus and the Columbus Foundation, accompanied by generous support from private donors, such as local businesses and philanthropists.

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