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Student Advocacy Center services make a difference in student progress

Update | Tuesday, September 6, 2022

At the newly named Columbus State Student Advocacy Center, students can access services offered by the College as well as by partner organizations, like Franklin County Job & Family Services and Catholic Social Services, which have dedicated staff members working on campus. The Student Advocacy Center staff can also connect students to other area resources.

The Student Advocacy Center is now located at the WD Grove Street entrance across the street from the Mid-Ohio Market. 

Since the start of the pandemic, students who have accessed essential needs services through Columbus State have been more likely to progress to the next semester than those who have not reached out for help. 

the SNAP graphic showing Mid-Ohio Foodbank Student Customers

In particular, students engaged in the program Stay the Course® – a partnership with Catholic Social Services – averaged a 10% higher pass rate than the general Columbus State student population, according to the Columbus State Institutional Advancement Department’s Achievement Analytics Course Success Report. 

Student Advocacy Center services include: 

Food Security 

  • Mid-Ohio Market at Columbus State: Free fresh and shelf-stable food for students and community members who meet income eligibility. 
  • SNAP: SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) helps students pay for groceries. Students can contact the Student Advocacy Center to schedule an appointment with a Franklin County Job & Family Services staff member and find out if they qualify. 

Housing Stability 

  • Resource Connection: Information and linkage with community housing resources. Available to all students. 
  • Housing and Utilities Grant: Financial assistance for students who live in Franklin County with overdue rent and/or utility bills related directly or indirectly to the COVID-19 pandemic. For students who meet income eligibility requirements. (Available through December 2022 
  • Success Bridge Housing Stabilization Program: Financial assistance. Available to Columbus State students who are homeless or in danger of homelessness and meet academic and income requirements. 

Transportation Assistance: Students eligible for SNAP E&T and enrolled in a degree or certificate program can access support, including transportation gift cards, through participation in the SNAP to Skills program. 

Childcare Assistance: Students who are parents of young children can call or visit The Student Advocacy Center to schedule an appointment with a Franklin County Job & Family Services staff member to find out if they qualify for childcare assistance.  

Healthcare Coverage: Many students qualify for Medicaid. Students can call or visit The Student Advocacy Center to schedule an appointment with a Franklin County Job & Family Services staff member and find out if they qualify. 

Stay the Course®: Stay the Course® participants work with navigators from Catholic Social Services to connect to resources and build stability in all aspects of life. Students can call or visit The Student Advocacy Center to make an appointment and find out if they qualify. 

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