Promise 2.0, CTE Soars & More!

February 19, 2025

Welcome to Partnership Matters!, the official newsletter with up-to-date resources from the Columbus City Schools (CCS) Office of Engagement. For more information on how to partner with CCS, email us at CCSPartners@columbus.k12.oh.us or call (614) 365-8868.

The future for CCS graduates is brighter than ever as the Columbus Promise enters its second phase. This expansion cements the program’s role as a transformative force in higher education and workforce development, offering students a fully funded pathway to college and career success.

The Columbus Promise is a groundbreaking program that allows CCS graduates to attend college for free at Columbus State Community College (CSCC). The first phase of the program, announced in fall 2021, more than doubled the number of CCS graduates enrolling in CSCC from 313 students in 2021 to 858 students in 2024. As of Autumn 2024, 42 Promise Scholars have graduated with an associate degree, and another 120 have completed a certificate.

The Columbus Promise continues to be a transformative opportunity for our students,” said Columbus City Schools Superintendent and CEO Dr. Angela Chapman. “As we launch phase two of this groundbreaking program, I am proud to see our community unite, investing in our scholars' success.” READ MORE

Columbus City Schools' Career Technical-Education is an almost perfect 5-star program, according to the Ohio Career-Technical Planning District (CTPD) State Report Card. Rocketing up from 3.5 to 4.5 stars this year, the CTE program continues to strive for excellence while it continues to grow.

Students are meeting industry professionals through classes, facility tours, and career-technical student organizations. By providing real-world application, students not only learn the technical skill they are interested in, but they also learn how to apply other classroom skills.

“CTE is valuable for students because they see the why of learning,” said Director of Career Technical-Education Jenny Meade. “Many times in classes students are disconnected. They don't understand when they are going to apply what they’ve learned in class.” READ MORE

Columbus City Schools recently recognized elementary schools for their middle-of-year achievements in math and reading on the i-Ready assessment. Thirty-six schools were honored for reading, while 24 earned recognition for math.

To receive this distinction, schools had to reach at least 50% median progress toward Typical Growth in their respective subject areas. i-Ready, a diagnostic and instructional platform, assesses students’ skills and creates personalized learning paths tailored to their needs. READ MORE

American democracy depends on journalists and the purposeful pursuit of the truth. In that spirit, Columbus Journalists in Training (CJIT) was launched in 2023.

The current cohort five-session interactive workshops held at Fort Hayes Metropolitan Education Center, engage with more than 20 student journalists with professional mentors from The Dispatch, NBC4, Columbus Business First, The Ohio State University, Lee Enterprises, Spectrum News 1, WOSU Public Media, Denison University, Ohio University, USA TODAY Network, and other media outlets.

The program is sponsored by the Columbus Dispatch, the Society of Professional Journalists Central Ohio Pro Chapter, and our District. (Photo Courtesy of the Columbus Dispatch)

As part of the partnership between Devonshire Elementary and Ohio Wesleyan University (OWU) Bishop Scholars program. Students from OWU visit Devonshire on Tuesdays and Thursdays to work with the young scholars on reading and math, along with any other subject a student may be struggling with. READ MORE

The Office of Engagement recently launched the video series entitled “Math, Math Everywhere.” It is an educational segment within the FACES program. Hosted by CCS Math Coordinator Renee Harris, this creative initiative is designed to help students discover how math connects to everyday life in surprising and practical ways.

The goal is to inspire students and their families by demonstrating how classroom concepts translate into real-world skills. Whether it’s calculating ingredient proportions or understanding the science behind baking, students are discovering the practical power of mathematics in action.

With segments planned across various fields, from construction to technology and beyond, “Math, Math Everywhere” will showcase the endless opportunities math provides for students to build a future full of possibilities. READ MORE

The possibilities are endless for students to find success! This week, we're sitting down with CCS High School Resource Counselor Kate Webster and I Know I Can Director of College Funding Felicia Travis to discuss the different academic and financial paths to get ready for college.

Together, we'll explore how CCS partners with institutions to empower students. The goal is to provide them with knowledge about the benefits of post-secondary education and dynamic career opportunities. Check it out on Facebook and YouTube.

Saturday, August 16, 2025

from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Fort Hayes Metropolitan Education Center campus

546 Jack Gibbs Boulevard

The success of the CCS Back-to-School Resource Fair depends on three vital elements: Columbus City Schools families, community partners, and a relentless focus on preparing children for academic success.

This event provides students and families with critical back-to-school supplies, information, and resources to help our students thrive.

2024 Back to School Resource Fair Stats:

• 12,304 people in attendance
• 9,152 backpacks distributed
• 26,000 meal kits given away
• 1,000s of school supplies
• 600 people taught CPR by Red Cross
• 35 patients served at Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s School Health Services Center
• 20 students received vaccinations

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Interested in working with Columbus City Schools? The Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships is focused on developing strong relationships that align the work and resources of community partners to the goals and needs of District students, staff, and families.

Connect with Us and Register Today! www.ccsoh.us/partnershipregistry