COLUMBUS, Ohio-The City of Columbus is extending its Columbus Promise program, which offers free community college tuition, fees, a stipend, and support services to Columbus City Schools graduates attending Columbus State Community College. Initially planned as a three-year pilot, the program’s success led to its extension.
Enrollment of CCS graduates at Columbus State more than doubled since 2019, with increased representation from underrepresented groups. City leaders, including Council President Shannon Hardin and CCS Superintendent Dr. Angela Chapman, highlight the program’s impact on making college education accessible to students who previously felt it was out of reach. The program is now recruiting for its third cohort, with plans to expand to other school districts and postsecondary institutions in the future.
