The Columbia State Community College Foundation recently established the Johnson Family Student Emergency Grant from Cecelia and Mitchell Johnson.

Cecelia and Mitchell Johnson are former educators who support college persistence and degree attainment. Cecelia is a retired employee of Columbia State where she worked in both academic services and student services for over twenty years combined and also served as associate vice president. Mitchell taught part-time in the history department at Columbia State for several years. They continue to live and participate in organizations in the college’s service area.

“This fund reflects how important education is to the Johnsons,” said Bethany Lay, Columbia State vice president for Advancement and executive director of the Columbia State Foundation. “The help provided for students to be successful even when faced with unexpected challenges may be just what they need to complete their educational goals.”

The fund is designed to help students who are impacted with an unforeseen life occurrence or emergency that significantly interferes with successful completion of classes. This can be used to assist with such things as books, fees, testing fees or uniforms, as well as, rent, gas, food or car repair. 

The Columbia State Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports and partners with the college to positively impact student success and the communities in which it serves.