Columbus, OH — Grange Insurance, through its charitable arm Grange Insurance Gives™, has announced a $1 million donation to Columbus State Community College, underscoring the school’s commitment to strengthening the Central Ohio community through equitable access and support for students to achieve their education and career goals. Grange’s donation supports the Columbus Promise, Student Emergency Needs and Taste the Future.
“At Grange Insurance, we believe education lays the foundation for a strong community. Central Ohio is stronger when we come together to support the resources that address disparities in education and careers for students,” said Grange Insurance President & CEO John Ammendola. “Creating a path for these talented future leaders will boost Central Ohio’s diverse talent population, helping us build a more inclusive environment for all.”
“I would also like to recognize and applaud the local impact and the strong reputation that Columbus State has built,” said Ammendola. “They continue to offer high-quality education and grow their capacity, so more students receive the necessary resources to succeed.”
Grange’s $1 million donation will support these Columbus State programs and initiatives.
- Columbus Promise provides graduates of Columbus City Schools with free tuition to Columbus State through a collaborative community coalition including the City of Columbus. In addition to financial support, Columbus Promise Scholars receive dedicated advice and counseling to develop skills, behaviors and habits that contribute to success both in the classroom and beyond college. Learn more.
- Student Emergency Needs provides emergency financial assistance to students who may otherwise be at risk of dropping out of college due to an unplanned and unexpected financial emergency and non-academic barriers like food insecurity, homelessness, lack of childcare and unreliable transportation. Learn more.
- Taste the Future showcases top culinary talent at this annual fundraising event, with proceeds helping fund scholarships and other special programs supporting student success at Columbus State. Learn more.
“We’re grateful for Grange’s generous support, which is an investment in a better future for our students and for the entire Central Ohio community,” said Columbus State President David T. Harrison. “Our focus on student success goes that much further by working hand-in-hand with such a strong industry partner.”
In addition to philanthropic support, Grange executives provide voluntary leadership and expert workforce counsel to Columbus State. Ammendola accepted the Governor’s appointment to the college’s Board of Trustees in November 2021, and Grange’s SVP, Chief Human Resources Officer Damon Porter joined the college-convened Workforce Advisory Council earlier that year. Grange is also a past financial supporter of Taste the Future.
Learn more about Grange’s commitment to community enrichment.
About Grange Insurance
Grange Insurance Company, with $3.1 billion in assets and more than $1.4 billion in annual revenue, is an insurance provider based in Columbus, Ohio. Through its network of independent agents, Grange offers auto, home and business insurance protection. Life insurance offered by Grange Life Insurance and Kansas City Life Insurance. Established in 1935, the Grange Insurance Company and its affiliate Integrity Insurance Company serve policyholders in Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Learn more about Grange Insurance.
About Columbus State Community College
Columbus State Community College is the largest community college in Ohio, and the state’s second-largest higher education institution, serving approximately 45,000 students annually through two campuses in downtown Columbus and Delaware; Regional Learning Centers in Dublin, Grove City, Westerville at Otterbein University, and The Southwest Center at Bolton Field; and online. As Central Ohio’s front door to higher education and a leader in advancing our region’s prosperity, we keep our students and our region moving forward with education and industry partnerships that advance careers, keep employers competitive, and strengthen our economy.