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

 

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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2025 Highlights

  • Approved and awarded mini and collaborative grants totaling $20,838.00
  • Approved and awarded field trip grants totaling $10,901.00
  • Received PA Educational Improvement Tax Credits (EITC) from businesess totaling $20,000 for 2025/2026 grants.
  • Participated with the school district and received a $130,000.00 grant from Clark Inc. to fund the Community Pantry, Greenhouse and STEM initiatives.
  • Awarded 30 Senior Scholarships totaling $33,500.00
  • Awarded 14 Junior Dual Enrollment Scholarships totaling $7,000.00
  • Awarded 6 Alumni Scholarships totaling $6,000.00
  • Funded a billboard congratulating the Class of 2025 graduates.
  • Held our 19th annual Golf Outing fundraiser in July with profits totaling $19,009.79
  • Received a successful, clean financial audit from Garcia, Garman & Shea, LLP.
  • Inducted two Columbia graduates as 2025 Distinguished Alumni: Ms. Amita Mehta and Mr. Andrew Ohrel.
  • Participated in the annual Extra Give campaign with 28 donations totaling $2,752.36
  • Acknowledged 87 individuals and businesses listed as Tide, Gold and Crimson donors for 2025 Foundation Friends.
  • Extended best wishes to Mr. Christopher Miller, our school district liaison, on his departure and welcomed Mr. Steve Mea as his replacement.
  • Thanked Mrs. Devon Fisher, School Board representative, for her service and welcomed Mr. Thomas Ziegler as her replacement.
  • Investment account realized a positive net change from January 1, 2025 thru December 31, 2025 ofr $179,732.00 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

Thomas Ziegler, School Board & Steve Mea, Asst. Business Manager

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