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29 Dreams Funded: I Know I Can Founders Scholarship Hits 15-Year Mark with Record CCS Class

large group of students standing outside

June 11, 2025 -- With college on the horizon, Columbus City Schools (CCS) graduates have earned a powerful boost through the I Know I Can Founders’ Scholarship. The 2025 class marks the largest class since the scholarship’s inception. Each scholar will receive up to $10,000 per year for four years, easing the path to higher education and long-term success.

"I couldn't be prouder of this year's 29 Founders' scholars, the largest class in the scholarship's 15-year history," said Superintendent/CEO of Columbus City Schools Dr. Angela Chapman. "These students have shown what it takes to stay focused and finish strong, meeting every requirement with determination. We're proud of our scholars, as they've shown what's possible and are ready for what's next."

To earn the Founders' Scholarship, students must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA, complete the CCS College Preparatory Curriculum, maintain a minimum attendance rate of 93% throughout high school, stay continuously enrolled in CCS from ninth to 12th grade, and demonstrate financial need for college.

Since the scholarship’s beginning, more than 280 CCS students have received the Founders’ Scholarship, with the program awarding over $9.6 million. I Know I Can offers several Founders’ Scholarships through partnerships with select colleges, universities, and organizations. 

The following CCS graduates were honored in the 2025 class: 

  • Hosaena Araia (Columbus Downtown High School) plans to attend The Ohio State University

  • Daniyah Atkinson (Eastmoor Academy) plans to attend Xavier University

  • De'Janae Beason (South High School) plans to attend Kent State University

  • Efrain Campos Rodriguez (Columbus International High School) plans to attend The Ohio State University 

  • Godwin Frimpong (Columbus Downtown High School) plans to attend The Ohio State University

  • caden gadijo posing with otterbein sweatshirtCaden Gadjigo (Northland High School) plans to attend Otterbein University

  • Yessenia Gonzales (Centennial High School) plans to attend The Ohio State University

  • Kanyah Green (Columbus International High School) plans to attend Georgetown University

  • Jayvion Griffin (Northland High School) plans to attend Kent State University

  • Shea Groves (Eastmoor Academy) plans to attend Columbus College of Art & Design

  • Dionna Hargrove (Columbus Africentric Early College) plans to attend Miami University

  • Makeda Inman (East High School) plans to attend Central State University

  • Xander Kingery (Mifflin High School) plans to attend Ohio Wesleyan University

  • Deven Licon-Conner (Whetstone High School) plans to attend University of Cincinnati

  • Faith Martin (Columbus Africentric Early College PreK-12) plans to attend Wittenberg University

  • Rhyann Mattox (Independence High School) plans to attend Kent State University

  • Ty'Janae McCarrel (Linden-McKinley STEM Academy) plans to attend Central State University

  • Natalie McKibben (Briggs High School) plans to attend Capital University

  • Amir Miller (Columbus Africentric Early College) plans to attend Jackson State University

  • Arianna Miller (Columbus Alternative High School) plans to attend Kent State University

  • Davion Moore (Beechcroft High School) plans to attend Ohio Wesleyan University

  • students standing outside smilingSafiyyah Omardien (Whetstone High School) plans to attend Bowling Green State University

  • Erika Philogene Alezy (Whetstone High School) plans to attend The Ohio State University

  • Antwain Reedus (East High School) plans to attend Ohio Dominican University

  • Opal Shipley (Whetstone High School) plans to attend Ohio Wesleyan University

  • Michael Thornton (Eastmoor Academy) plans to attend Morehouse College

  • Namere Wedderburn (Columbus Alternative High School) plans to attend Clark Atlanta University

  • Mason Wellborn (Walnut Ridge High School) plans to attend Central State University

  • Davideona White (Eastmoor Academy) plans to attend Tuskegee University

We applaud the I Know I Can Founders’ Scholarship recipients. For more information and to apply for the Founders’ Scholarship, please visit I Know I Can Founders' Scholarship.