I Know I Can

Program Description

Our Story: I Know I Can (IKIC) was founded in 1988 as a result of the foresight, dedication and generosity of community and civic leaders who believed that no child should be denied a college education simply because they could not afford it.

I Know I Can is the only college access program in Columbus, and one of the largest and most successful in the nation. Since its beginning, I Know I Can has made higher education a reality for tens of thousands of Columbus City Schools students who dreamed of a college education and worked hard to get it.

Our Mission:

... is "to inspire, enable and support Columbus City Schools students in pursuing and completing a college education."

Our Plan:

TO INSPIRE CCS students to make college a part of their future by providing them with knowledge about the benefits of post-secondary education.

TO ENABLE CCS graduates with I Know I Can Grant assistance and leveraging additional financial assistance.

TO SUPPORT CCS graduates once in college with support services to help ensure degree completion.

Our Programs:

The mission of I Know I Can is apparent every day through our long list of programs. With a team of dedicated staff and advisors, as well as partnerships with Columbus City Schools, we offer everything from children's books to one-on-one counseling and in-depth college planning toolkits that ensure success for all grade levels.

Our Success:

Awarded over 22,000 grants valued at nearly $23 Million to Columbus City School graduates. Leveraged more than $300 Million in additional financial aid for Columbus City School graduates.

Demographics

Populations Served

• Academically At-risk
• Academically High-performing
• ESL Students

First-Generation

• Between 25% and 50%

Representative
Colleges Attended
by Alumni

• Ohio State University-Main Campus