Partnership Between Nationwide, Columbus City Schools, and Columbus State Designed to Attract and Develop CCS High School Grads to Consider Financial Services

November 9, 2021 - Seniors at Northland and Linden McKinley Academy High School are receiving a competitive advantage in the financial service industry thanks to Columbus State Community College and Nationwide Financial Services.

Through partnership and support from Nationwide, the Financial Services Professional Apprenticeship is an opportunity for students to earn a high-quality, tuition-free college degree from Columbus State Community College while working in a paid, part-time role with Nationwide Financial Services. Over the course of five semesters, apprentices will earn their Associate Degree from Columbus State, gain hands-on experience in the financial industry, and be mentored by a Nationwide employee to guide and advocate for them as they progress through the program.

“I want to be a part of the FSPA program to show those who believed and didn’t believe in me, and to show the people where I’m from that there is always a path to reach success,” said CCS alumnus Azaria Hill.

This program combines college and career by giving students from Northland and LSMA the opportunity to obtain a tuition-free degree in business, finance, or accounting from Columbus State while working at Nationwide Insurance providing the opportunity for full-time employment post-graduation.

“Those are the types of programs that truly speak to what our students need and how they can be supported, to not only start a program but to complete it with fidelity,” said Jason Johnson, Principal of Northland High School.

Interested seniors at Northland and LSMA have been invited to join a virtual session on November 15, 2021, at 11 AM.

How can students apply? The application will officially go live on Nov. 15, 2021, on the website and at the information session. Following the session, an email explaining the application process and providing you with the link will be sent to be well informed and assist students accordingly.

The application deadline for students wanting to join the FSPA 2022 Cohort will be April 1, 2022.