Columbia Education Foundation

The CEF is a non-profit volunteer organization whose purpose is to procure funding through grants, individual and corporate donations, and tax-credit opportunities to support creative and innovative education strategies for students beyond what the school district’s budget can provide. Together, with support from the community, we believe we are making a difference for the future of our students and their education.

Every Student Counts - Every Dollar Helps

Our Mission Statement: To provide support and resources to the teachers and staff of the Columbia Borough School District  and to enhance the learning experiences and educational opportunities for all students in the school district.

Announcements

The Foundation is once again participating in the annual EXTRA GIVE campaign.  For 24 hours, on Friday, November 21, 2025,  over 400 non-profit organizations in Lancaster County will be asking for your donations to help with each of their missions.  For us, we will direct 100% of all funds donated towards enhancing educational programs and materials in the school district.  Any dollar amount helps.  We thank you in advance for your consideration. 

ATTENTION ALUMNI – ARE YOU PURSUING CONTINUED EDUCATION BEYOND HIGH SCHOOL?

Each year, the Foundation awards these scholarships to applicants who are former graduates of Columbia High School who are pursuing continued education at a college, university, trade or technical school.  Please click on the Scholarship tab for additional information and also to complete an application.

Contact Us

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2024 Highlights

  • Approved and awarded mini and collaborative grants totaling $63,298.00
  • Approved and awarded field trip grants totaling $10,132.00
  • Received PA Educational Improvement Tax Credits (EITC) from 5 businesess totaling $44,500 for 2024/2025 grants.
  • Participated with the school district and received a $120,000.00 grant from Clark Inc. to fund the Community Pantry, Greenhouse and STEM initiatives.
  • Added two new technical trade senior scholarships in memory of Les & Marty Steeley by Dr. & Mrs. Mark Steeley.
  • Awarded 35 Senior Scholarships totaling $41,000.00
  • Awarded 5 Junior Dual Enrollment Scholarships totaling $2,500.00
  • Awarded 5 Alumni Scholarships totaling $5,000.00
  • Held our 18th annual Golf Outing fundraiser in July with profits totaling $21,458.20
  • Received a successful, clean financial audit from Garcia, Garman & Shea, LLP.
  • Participated in the annual Extra Give campaign with 29 donations totaling $3,358.34
  • Regretfully accepted the resignations from two dedicated Foundation Board members: Robin Gamby & Ronald Mable.
  • Acknowledged 90 individuals and businesses listed as Tide, Gold and Crimson donors for 2024 Foundation Friends.
  • Congratulated Dr. Crystal Martin, our school district liaison, on her retirement and welcomed Mr. Christoper Miller as her replacement.
  • Investment account realized a positive net change from January 1, 2024 thru December 31, 2024 ofr $104,853.00 despite another volatile market year.

Welcome

Welcome to our website. We hope you find it informational and easy to navigate. A big Thank You to Tandem Marketing & Design LLC for working with the Foundation on the new design and format. Please check back often, as we are committed to keeping it up-to-date with stories and pictures that support the Foundation’s mission, while we recognize all the people, businesses and organizations that help us help students. Plus opportunities to feature and honor our alumni and great school district staff. Thanks for visiting!

Board of Directors

Dave Cunningham

President

Ken Klawitter

Board Member

Tom Fleckenstein

Board Member

Board Member

Tracy Arndt

Vice-President

Wayne Hershey

Board Member

Board Member

Betty-Sue Ryno

Treasurer (non-voting)

Mark Wisler

Board Member

School District Representatives

Devon Fisher, School Board & Christopher Miller, Asst. to the Superintendent

Vickie Anspach

Secretary

Debra Smith

Board Member

In Memory of

Former Foundation Members

•Ruth Crum
•Charles Reinhart
•Jeanette Sherk
•Charles “Rich” Gerfin

 

 

Crimson Tide

Foundation Meetings are held on the third Monday of each month at 6:00 PM in the District Administration Center.

Foundation meetings are normally held on the third Monday of each month at 6:00 PM in the District Administration Center   Columbia Borough School District