founders’ scholarship

Up to $10,000 Scholarship Per Year

Available to eligible Columbus City Schools seniors with continuous enrollment in the CCS district and enrolling full-time at an accredited university or college in the United States.

STAY TUNED FOR MORE INFORMATION FOR THE CLASS OF 2024 

Minimum Criteria

  • 3.0 Cumulative GPA
  • Completion of the CCS College Preparatory Curriculum
  • Continuous enrollment in CCS district in 9th–12th grades
  • Will graduate from a CCS high school in 2024
  • Have demonstrated financial need for college

Supporting Documents Needed

  • PDF of your unofficial high school transcript
  • Senior Class Schedule (including grades)
  • PDF of your 2023-24 FAFSA Student Aid Report (SAR)
  • Two (2) Personal Statements:
    • Describe what details of your life (personal, family, people, or events) have influenced your life and your goals. When did you decide you wanted to go to college? What have you learned or experienced since making the decision that further stimulates or reinforces your conviction to get a college education?
    • You are given all the resources you need (people, research, knowledge, money) to solve a global problem. What is the problem and how would you solve it? How would this solution positively impact the Columbus community?
  • Two (2) Recommendation Letters-All recommendation letters should be typed, double-spaced, in 12-point font. No longer than one page long.
    • One letter must be from your high school principal, counselor, or teacher.
    • Must be from a non-family member adult who knows you well.

what you should know

  • Students may renew the scholarship for up to four years (two years at a two-year college).
  • Remember to complete and submit your FAFSA prior to the scholarship deadline!

NOTE: The Founders’ Scholarship Application does not take the place of other I Know I Can funding applications. You must submit separate applications for each award, but you are only able to receive one.

 

faq

  • Who should I ask for recommendation letters?
    • One recommendation letter must be from a teacher, school counselor, or principal.
    • Your second recommendation letter can be from any non-family member adult who knows you well.
      • Examples: teacher, coach, employer, supervisor, clergy, community service coordinator, internship advisor, mentor, etc.
  • What are the Special Founders’ Scholarships?
    • I Know I Can will offer several special Founders’ Scholarships, in partnership with select Ohio colleges and universities. These scholarships are institution-specific, so a student (if selected) must remain at the awarding university/college for the duration of their undergraduate education.
    • Students can indicate on the Founders’ Scholarship Application if they are interested in a Special Founders’ Scholarship.
    • If a student is selected for a Special Founders’ Scholarship and chooses to attend a different university/college, the student will forfeit the Special Founders’ Scholarship.
  • Do I have to submit separate applications for the Founders’ Scholarship and the I Know I Can grant?
    • Yes. Students should submit completed, on-time applications for both the Founders’ Scholarship and I Know I Can grant.
    • Students can only receive one, so if you are selected for the Founders’ Scholarship, you will not receive the I Know I Can grant.
  • What happens if I am approved for the Founders’ Scholarship and the I Know I Can grant?
    • If you are approved for both, you will only receive the Founders’ Scholarship. We encourage eligible students to apply for both when submitting a Founders’ Scholarship application so you will not miss the deadline to apply for the I Know I Can grant in the event that you are not selected for the Founders’ Scholarship.
  • Will the Founders’ Scholarship be renewed every year?
    • The Founders’ Scholarship can be renewed up to four years (two years at Columbus State Community College), provided you submit the renewal form and documents and meet the GPA criteria.
  • How can I renew the Founders’ Scholarship?
    • In order to renew the Founders’ Scholarship, a student must:
      • Maintain at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA
      • Submit unofficial grades and a financial aid award letter for upcoming academic year.
      • Submit updates each semester
      • Attend at least two Founders’ Luncheons per year.
  • What are the Founders’ Luncheons?
    • Each year, I Know I Can hosts luncheons for recipients of the Founders’ Scholarship. These are typically scheduled around a school break.  Students will have an opportunity to hear from a special speaker or take part in a professional development opportunity. Students are required to attend in order to remain eligible for the Founders’ Scholarship. You will receive an invitation in advance.
  • What should I include in my update? When do I have to submit my update?
    • In order to remain eligible for the Founders’ Scholarships, students need to submit updates to I Know I Can each semester. You will receive a notification email reminding you to submit your update.
    • Include the following in your update:
      • How your classes and grades are going
      • Any changes or updates to your major/career goals
      • Any interesting projects or internships that you have
      • Any extracurricular activities, study abroad, etc.
      • Any changes to your contact information
  • Will I receive the scholarship if I drop below full-time status for a term in college?
    • Students planning to drop below full-time status must contact the IKIC College Funding Department immediately as their Founders’ Scholarship may be in jeopardy.
  • What if I plan to attend an out-of-state college?
    • The Founders’ Scholarship can be used at any four-year baccalaureate program at an accredited university or college in the United States. **PLEASE NOTE: Special Founders’ Scholarships can only be used at the awarding institution.**
  • What if I transfer to a different college after my freshman year?
    • The Founders’ Scholarship can be transferred to your new college, provided it is an accredited four-year baccalaureate program in the U.S.
    • **PLEASE NOTE: Special Founders’ Scholarships can only be used at the awarding institution. If you are selected for a Special Founders’ Scholarship and transfer to a different institution, you will forfeit the remainder of your scholarship.**

A SPECIAL THANK YOU…

Thank you to our college and university partners for their contributions in establishing a Founders’ Scholarship for a CCS student to attend their campus:

Capital University – Full tuition scholarship for four years
Columbus College of Art and Design – Up to $10,000 per academic year for four years
Columbus State Community College – Up to $5,000 per academic year for two years
Ohio Dominican University – Up to $10,000 per academic year for four years
Ohio Wesleyan University – Up to $10,000 per academic year for four years
Otterbein University – Full-tuition scholarship for four years
The Ohio State University – Full-tuition scholarship for four years
Wittenberg University – Full tuition scholarship for four years

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