Columbus City Council has approved an amendment to the City’s 2026 operating budget proposal that would appropriate $2 million to fund the Columbus Promise program.
In February 2025, City leaders made a $10 million commitment to this phase of the Columbus Promise. This amendment brings the City’s total contribution since then to $4 million.
“A promise means certainty, and certainty matters deeply to families who are, right now, making decisions about their futures,” Council President Shannon G. Hardin said.
“We don’t want students to hesitate, delay or lose an opportunity to pursue higher education. This amendment reassures families that Columbus will keep its promise.”
This amendment follows concern about the absence of funding for the Columbus Promise in the operating budget proposal released in November. This funding will become available upon completion of the full budgetary process, including hearings, additional amendments and final passage by Council.
The funding for this amendment reflects Council’s continued commitment to funding this program for Columbus City Schools students and comes from a small surplus in unallocated income tax revenue in 2025.
Applications have opened for the Columbus Promise scholarships. Columbus City Schools graduates who apply to Columbus State, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and complete the Columbus Promise application are eligible.
There are currently 1,260 Promise Scholars enrolled at Columbus State across multiple cohorts. These students are making progress toward degrees and credentials that will help them get jobs that support them and their families – all while meeting the workforce needs of our growing region
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