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Money raised will fund scholarships benefiting local graduates pursuing high-need career fields
The Columbus Education Foundation (CEF) is proud to announce the successful completion of its Pathway to Possibilities Matching Gift Campaign, a community-wide effort that raised $50,000 in matching funds to support scholarships for Columbus High School graduates pursuing careers in healthcare, mental health, and skilled trades.
The campaign, launched to address financial barriers faced by graduating seniors, was designed to invest directly in students preparing for high-demand careers that strengthen the local workforce and improve community well-being. Thanks to the generosity of donors throughout Columbus and the surrounding area, CEF met its ambitious goal and will be able to significantly expand scholarship opportunities for students graduating from Columbus High School.
“This campaign represents the very best of our community,” said Phillip Garcia, President of the Board of Directors. “Reaching the $50,000 matching goal shows how deeply our community believes in its students and their futures. These funds will help ensure that hardworking graduates can pursue education and training in fields that are essential to the health and strength of Columbus.”
Scholarships funded through the Pathway to Possibilities campaign will support students entering college, technical schools, and certification programs in healthcare, mental health services, and skilled trades. These fields were selected to reflect both student interest and critical workforce needs within the community.
Heather Thomas, a member of the CEF Board of Directors, emphasized the long-term impact of the campaign. “Every donation to this campaign represents more than financial support,” Thomas said. “It represents confidence in our students and an investment in the future of our community. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed and helped make these opportunities possible.”
The Pathway to Possibilities campaign builds on the Columbus Education Foundation’s longstanding commitment to empowering students through scholarships and supporting educational excellence across Columbus ISD. By removing financial obstacles, CEF works to ensure that local students are prepared for meaningful careers and equipped to give back to the community that supported them.
The Foundation extends its sincere thanks to all donors, partners, and supporters who helped make the campaign a success. Their generosity will have a lasting impact on students and families for years to come.
The Columbus Education Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Columbus ISD students through scholarships and teacher grants. CEF works to remove financial barriers, expand educational opportunities, and prepare students for academic success, career readiness, and community leadership.
