City Leaders Announce $2M to Help House Columbus State Students
Published on July 31, 2023
Mayor Andrew J. Ginther, Columbus City Council President Shannon G. Hardin and other community leaders today announced $2 million in funding for the Success Bridge program at Columbus State Community College. The program provides students experiencing housing instability with housing counseling, success coaching and emergency rental assistance, so they may stay stably housed while pursuing their studies.
“In Columbus, housing should never hinder education or personal growth. By guaranteeing that college students have access to safe and stable housing, we are investing in their future and empowering them to focus on their studies and dreams without the stress and fear caused by housing instability,” said Mayor Ginther. “This program is a testament to our commitment to equitable opportunities for all, and our belief that everyone in Columbus deserves a chance to thrive and succeed.”
Legislation before Columbus City Council this evening will authorize $400,000 of the city’s federal Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) to be spent on housing-focused case management positions at Columbus State. Another $1.6 million in available ERA funding will be available to Success Bridge students to pay back- and future- rent and utility payments. Initiated in 2020, the Success Bridge program provides qualifying students with a stable living environment while in school. It also offers access to housing services that allow students to complete their degrees while expanding their economic mobility after graduation. The new program will prioritize Columbus Promise Students for housing stabilization through Success Bridge.
“As a champion of the Columbus Promise, I couldn’t be more excited that the Success Bridge Program will lift the burden of finding quality affordable housing while Promise Scholars complete their degree,” said Council President Hardin. “All of our students deserve the opportunity to advance their future without fear of financial hardship.”
The Columbus Promise, a joint initiative between the City of Columbus, Columbus City Schools, I Know I Can and Columbus State Community College, provides qualifying students free tuition and access to one-on-one academic advising, career counseling, social and wellness opportunities and essential support services.
Applications are currently being accepted for Success Bridge Assistance. For more information, visit: https://www.cscc.edu/services/essential-needs/housing-utilities.shtml.