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

Wow!!!  Another successful CEF Golf Outing was held on Friday, July 28, 2023.  A very warm morning of golf followed by a luncheon and silent auction.  We are grateful to all participants, volunteers, donors and sponsors who made this possible.  Because of this, we raised $19,887.70.  All proceeds will be used to fund grants in the school district to assist the teachers and students with enhanced tools and opportunities for their learning success.  Save the date for the 2024 event, to be held on Friday, July 26, 2024.   ***Scroll down the EVENTS page to see pictures of the 20223 Golfers and Sponsors***

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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2023 Highlights

  • Reviewed and updated CEF Constitution/Bylaws.
  • Approved and awarded mini and collaborative grants totaling $47,793.80
  • Received PA Educational Improvement Tax Credits (EITC) from 5 businesess totaling $45,000 for 2023/2024 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 scholarships in memory of Sue and Rich Gerfin.
  • Awarded 31 Senior Scholarships totaling $34,000.00
  • Awarded 4 Junior Dual Enrollment Scholarships totaling $2,000.00
  • Awarded 3 Alumni Scholarships totaling $3,000.00
  • Held another sucessful Golf Outing fundraiser in July with profits totaling $19,887.70
  • Inducted two new members into the Columbia High School Distinguished Alumni class: Mr. Ronald Mable and Mr. Keith Lutz.
  • Received a sucessful, clean financial audit from Sager & Swisher and Co. LLP.
  • Participated in the annual Extra Give campaign with 31 donations totaling $3,048.74
  • Mourned the passing of two extraordinary Columbians and Foundation Friends: Donald “Granny” Arndt and Patrick Donan.
  • Welcomed new CEF Board Member: Mr. Tom Fleckenstein.
  • Added 3 new names to the list of Foundation Forever Friends.
  • 122 individuals and businesses listed as Tide, Gold and Crimson donors for 2023 Foundation Friends.
  • Investment account realized a positive net change from January 1, 2023 thru December 31, 2023 ofr $127972.00 despite a volatile market environment.

Welcome

Welcome to our new website. Thank you for your patience as we worked diligently to refresh the look and feel of this site. We hope you find it informational and easy to navigate. A big Thank You to Tandem Marketing & Design LLC for working with the Foundation over the last few months 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

Mark Wisler

Board Member

Tom Fleckenstein

Board Member

Tracy Arndt

Vice-President

Wayne Hershey

Board Member

ROBIN GAMBY

Board Member

Betty-Sue Ryno

Treasurer

Ron Mable

Board Member

School District Representatives

Devon Fisher, School Board & Dr. Crystal Martin, 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