Columbia State Community College recently presented the 2021 Chancellor’s Award of Excellence in Philanthropy to A Youth Education Foundation, Inc. on behalf of the Tennessee Board of Regents.

“A Youth Education Foundation has become a valued community partner, helping students graduate from high school and achieve new goals through higher education,” said Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president.

The Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Philanthropy was established in March of 2001 as a way of recognizing outstanding fundraising programs that donate their resources and efforts to Tennessee Board of Regents colleges. Honorees are selected through a Donor Recognition Committee comprised of representatives from Tennessee community and technical colleges, donors, Trustees, Regents and employees. 

“It is because of your mission to establish self-confidence within the youth of your community by providing mentorship, vital resources and educational opportunities to enable them to improve their lives and reach their desired level of accomplishment that you collaborated with Columbia State Community College,” said TBR Assistant Vice Chancellor Cris Perkin. “It is the College’s honor to join with you to create opportunities for youth that inspire dreams, develop passion and shape the future leaders of our community.”

Based in Columbia since 2013, A Youth Education Foundation, Inc., is a Tennessee nonprofit with the mission of providing mentorship, resources and educational opportunities to youths in the community. YEF has donated $168,000 to the Columbia State Foundation in order to aid students through the Youth Education Foundation Scholarship which assists with the costs of books and fees for Maury County students utilizing Tennessee Promise. 

“We know the importance of Columbia State and we are very appreciative of this award, what you do and the opportunities you offer to folks within Maury County but also the surrounding counties,” said YEF Chair of Board of Directors Robyn Graham. “We are all successful because of coming together and allowing others to come together.”

“Columbia State collaborates with the YEF in goals and mission,” Smith said. “They are citizens who recognize that the value of a higher education not only serves the student, but it builds the community base in economic and civic leadership.”

For more information about A Youth Education Foundation, Inc., visit www.yefmaury.com.