COLUMBUS – As a result of hard work and a tremendous outpouring of support by the community, the Columbus Education Foundation (CEF) met and exceeded its goals and mission of supporting the educational experiences of the students of CISD. With the very generous contributions, they are making a difference in the lives of young people.
Some of the milestones achieved include: Active participation in the Columbus Chamber of Commerce- sponsored career fair. This event was for the ninth through 12th grade CISD students. The career fair provided eye-opening comparisons on the lifetime effects of postgrad education, be it trade school or college. The students were given information on costs, time investment, salary potential, and other factors they could study and share with their parents.
CEF had its first and soon-to-be- famous CEF Duck Derby. Rubber ducks raced down the Colorado River. CEF successfully sold all 3,000 ducks to people and companies that wanted to participate and awarded prizes to winners. CEF expressed its appreciaiton to its sponsors and donors for the overwhelming success of the Duck Derby. It will be back in 2025.
CEF awarded a record number of scholarships to CISD seniors for post-grad education. A scholarship can be a “tipping point” to affect a lifetime positively. CEF was particularly pleased to increase the number of scholarships for trade and tech schools since not every grad has the time, money or inclination to attend college. Investment in education truly adds to success for the students and the community.
Classroom Grants to teachers to enhance the classroom experience increased in numbers and dollar amounts. The many thanks CEF received from both teachers and students have inspired them to dedicate even more funds toward Classroom Grants in the coming years.
The inflow of donations from the community was inspiring. In 2024, there were many new memorial scholarships and grants established. In 2025, CEF will launch a program called “Friends of Columbus Education Foundation” (Friends of CEF). More details will be forthcoming.
In 2024, the CEF board of directors was increased in size and expanded the advisory board. This gives CEF a deep pool of talent and experience from which to draw. This will undoubtedly serve its board, CISD and community in a big and beneficial way.
CEF Board President Patsy Hodge shared, “With the help of generous support from the community, our determined board of directors has made amazing things happen since the founding of the 501(c) (3) in November 2021.”
2024 was a great year that provided record funds for the students’ educational experience while in the CISD system and their pursuit of education beyond CHS. CEF needs your help growing funds for scholarships and grants to continue this growth. It happens through donations of any size since smaller donations are key to establishing educational funds.
The Columbus Education Foun- dation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit cor poration dedicated to enhancing education. CEF seeks and accepts contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations to support these endeavors. More information can be found at www.ColumbusEducationFoundation. org or call 979733-2122. CEF thanks everyone for their past support and look forward to continuing its growth to benefit the education of CISD students in 2025 and beyond.
