Columbus, OH (July 24, 2014)— To support the ongoing innovations of United Schools Network (USN), which includes both Columbus Collegiate Academy – Main Street and Columbus Collegiate Academy – Dana Ave., The Columbus Foundation’s Governing Committee has approved a grant of $375,809 to support USN’s efforts of mission advancement, facilities improvement, capacity building, and revenue generation.
USN is the current Continuous Improvement grantee of The Columbus Foundation. Continuous Improvement partnerships focus on increasing capacity to meet community need, improving program quality, inspiring innovative service delivery, and strengthening institutional infrastructure.
Columbus Collegiate Academy (CCA) was founded as a middle school for disadvantaged students to achieve academic distinction. A school culture of high expectations for scholarship and behavior helps students enter, succeed in, and graduate from the most demanding high schools and colleges. For several years, CCA has been the highest performing public middle school in Franklin County, according to its School Performance Index score on the School Report Card.
“Charter schools can demonstrate education models for larger public districts, and charter schools can also learn from the public districts. USN’s leadership is committed to such collaboration and continues to develop strong relationships in the community,” said Doug Kridler, president and CEO of The Columbus Foundation.
USN became a Continuous Improvement grantee in 2013 and received a $375,000 grant award. This funding helped USN to secure an $800,000 Inflexion Fund grant from the Walton Family Foundation. These two grants have allowed USN to achieve many of its impressive goals.
USN is now prepared to open its first K-5 school, United Preparatory Academy (UPrep).
“We continue to be a strong leader in the school reform movement in Columbus and attract national attention and recognition for our impressive results. We will expand to four schools, two elementary and two middle schools, as we continue to innovate and collaborate,” said Andrew Boy, United Schools Network founder and CEO.
This fall, USN will enroll close to 600 students with 120 new kindergarten and first-grade students at UPrep and CCA – Dana Ave. (located in Franklinton) will add eighth grade, growing from 150 students to 250 students.
About The Columbus Foundation
The Columbus Foundation is the trusted philanthropic advisor® to more than 2,000 individuals, families, businesses, and communities that have created unique funds to make a difference in the lives of others through the most effective philanthropy possible. Serving the region for 70 years, The Columbus Foundation is the seventh largest community foundation in the United States. The Foundation’s online giving marketplace, PowerPhilanthropy®, makes it possible for everyone to access valuable information about nonprofit organizations in central Ohio.