The Stepping off to College program is designed to help prepare high school seniors to make a successful transition into college.  This is accomplished through a series of workshops with speakers from various walks of life which includes: college students, corporate representatives, the Columbus Foundation and a host of other partners.  Once the students have successfully completed all of the program requirements, they will have many of the tools and equipment to be more prepared for their college journey.  

Students learn about:

• College life
• Financial management
• Computer management
• Time management
• Health management
• Public speaking
• Business etiquette and much more…

In addition, students learn about scholarship opportunities that can further develop their college and professional network.  

To apply contact your high school counselor.

The college scholarship program offers continuing college students with financial need the opportunity to secure additional financial assistance to help them reach their higher education goals.

Eligibility Criteria

• Candidate must be from the greater Columbus community, which includes Columbus, Gahanna, Pickerington, Worthington, Westerville, Reynoldsburg, Dublin, Hilliard, Scholar House, Pheasant Run and Marsh Run communities.
• Candidate must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or greater based on a 4.0 scale.
• Candidate must have completed one grading period by the application deadline date.
• Candidate must be enrolled in an accredited public or nonprofit college or university in the United States.
• Candidate may or may not be a participant in their College Honors Program.

Selection Criteria

Recipients are chosen on the basis of the following selection criteria:

• Academic potential
• Financial need
• Community service
• Involvement in extracurricular activities
• Special need

Payment/Distribution

• Scholarship awards are paid to the college or university the student is attending.
• Awards may be used for books and fees only.
• Scholarships vary based on funds availability.

How to Apply

Applications are available at:
The Columbus Foundation
Contact Person: Alicia Szempruch, Scholarships Officer
1234 E. Broad Street Columbus, Ohio 43205
email: ASzempruch@columbusfoundation.org

Mapping Your Future Our Mapping Your Future program equips high school and middle school students with tools to evaluate options for life after high school regardless of whether their plans include college. We focus our program modules on enhancing life skills and soft skills.