The Columbus Promise provides graduates of Columbus City Schools with no-cost access to higher education at Columbus State Community College. Promise has shown great potential as hundreds of students progress toward career development and a bright future.  A key part of transitioning to a career job is experience such that professional internships are integral to post-graduation success. 

Unfortunately, quality internships in the non-profit space including social services, the arts, and service organizations, are rare or don’t exist. Thus, many students must take “pay-the-rent” type jobs in food service or warehouses forcing them to choose necessity over school-complimenting internships.   

To create and fund professional internship opportunities, the WDBCO secured funding from the State of Ohio to provide 30 non-profit internship positions to Columbus Promise Students.  The program has recently been expanded to include all eligible Columbus State students.  The funding enables several Columbus non-profits to employ interns for the 2023 – 24 school year up to 20 hours per week.  The students are gaining valuable experience in a corporate, non-profit setting while attending Columbus State full-time.

Gladden Community House, Central Community House, CMHA, IMPACT, ALVIS, WDBCO, United Way, Community Refugee & Immigration Services, Saint Stephens, Catholic Social Services, Godman Guild, Human Service Chamber, Boys & Girls Club of Central Ohio.

Media inquiries: Andrew Campbell, WDBCO Senior Director of Communications, acampbell@wdbco.org 614.559.5068