Explanation
This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Department of Education to enter into contract with The Columbus Foundation to serve as charitable gift recipient for The Columbus Promise Program.
We are falling short of the statewide goal of 65% higher education attainment by 2025. As of 2018, just 45.6% of Franklin County adults had achieved a higher education degree or credential, and the projection is that it would take Columbus nearly another 40 years to achieve a 65% attainment rate. Furthermore, there are stark racial gaps in higher education attainment: white residents attain higher education credentials at a rate 15% higher than their Black or Hispanic counterparts.
But we also know that achieving a higher education degree or credential is the key to so many determinants of long-term success: higher wages, financial stability, even improved personal health. Additionally, studies around the country have noted that, when students are more confident of their ability to afford the opportunity to enroll in higher education, there is an across-the-board increase in grade point averages, higher enrollment in AP classes, and improved graduation rates.
To this end, the City of Columbus, in partnership with local corporations, charitable institutions, and higher education institutions, will provide the funding necessary to transform the educational and economic landscape of the city through the creation of the Columbus Promise. Beginning with the current 2021-2022 school year, the Columbus Promise Program will provide all graduates of Columbus City Schools with the opportunity to earn a two-year degree from Columbus State Community College, and to do so debt free. In addition, students will receive up to $1,000 in a yearly stipend to cover the cost of books and other incidentals.
Emergency action is requested to provide for the immediate enactment of the service agreement with The Columbus Foundation in order to allow for philanthropic contributions to...
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