Career Path Awards Program
Supporting Graduating Seniors. Advancing Columbus’ Economy
The Need
There is great demand in the central Ohio region for employees to fill skilled jobs which require additional specialized training. Many Columbus City Schools (CCS) graduating seniors, who have additional technical skill development and work-savvy attitudes, can be these employees.
Columbus Rotary is partnering with CCS to encourage graduating seniors to pursue advanced technical training in a variety of industries that will lead them to solid, rewarding, and high-paying employment opportunities.
The Career Path Awards Program (CPA) grants $2500 to outstanding students who have demonstrated excellence in preparing for skilled careers through the CCS Career Technology Programs.
Making It Happen
Our 114 year-old club, with a strong history of involvement with CCS and the business community, launched a Career Path Awards program in 2021-22. $2500 awards, funded by corporate sponsors, were granted to 28 carefully selected seniors from Ft. Hayes Career Education Center and Columbus Downtown High School. In 2026, 28 students are receiving awards from generous Sponsors including Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, Donna and Harry B. McDonald Trust, Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA), EasyIT, Elford Construction, McDonald Charitable Trust, Columbia Gas (NiSource), Adelphi Bank, Atlas Butler, API Services, Jones Lumber, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Specialty Printing and Processing, Schoning Dental, Orange Barrel Media, Sterling Process Engineering, Ricart Automotive, Rosati Windows, Worthington Enterprises, Worthington Steel, Mount Carmel College of Nursing, Columbus Rotary Foundation, AEP Ohio and The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association.
Mentoring
A key figure from the sponsoring company, along with a Columbus Rotarian, mentor and advise each individual student awardee about skilled career and training opportunities. The mentors may provide a pathway into direct employment or may work with the student to choose another option in line with their goals. With the support of a mentor, mentees can stay focused on their career, gain confidence, attain goals, and extend their networks.
Life Skills
CPA recipients also experience three “lunch and learn” sessions that focus on developing “life-skills” to help prepare them to successfully manage their entry into the workforce. In 2026, sessions in personal finance management, resume preparation, and job etiquette paced personal skills development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mission of the Program
The mission of the Columbus Rotary Career Path Awards (CPA) Program is to recognize and provide career mentoring to graduating seniors within the Columbus City School district who have demonstrated excellence in taking advantage of the opportunities offered to prepare for skilled careers that require advanced training or specialized education.
Who is eligible for the Career Path Awards?
Graduating seniors attending Ft Hayes Career Center and Columbus Downtown High School who are pursuing jobs or advanced training in skilled careers.
- Students who have demonstrated ability in their chosen career technical field and are earning at least a 3.0 GPA in their career/technical education coursework.
- Students who have a good school attendance record
What is the amount of the student award?
In 2026, award amount is $2,500 per selected individual.
How many awards are provided each year?
Awards are made possible by local companies and corporations. The number of awards provided depends on the number of corporate sponsors each year. Twenty-eight (28) awards were presented in 2026.
What can the award money be used for?
Award money can be used for any expenses associated with pursing a skilled trade job including, but not limited to:
- Training course enrollment Fees
- Tools
- Specialized work clothing
- Transportation expenses
- Certification expenses
How does a student apply for a Career Path Award?
Applications are provided to students attending Ft. Hayes Career Center and Downtown High School by Columbus City School staff and by accessing the application online through a QR code on the flyer.
Students must complete and return all portions of the application before the deadline. When completing the application, the student must list a teacher who will provide a recommendation about the student. This teacher will be sent a recommendation form to complete and return if the student is selected to be interviewed.
How are awardees selected?
Applications are reviewed by Columbus Rotary Career Path Committee members. Top applicants are selected for short, in-person interviews that will occur at the student’s career center. Sample interview questions will be provided in advance. The Columbus Rotary Career Path Awards Committee members select final awardees.
When are the awards announced?
Awardees are notified at their school during a Lunch-and Learn-program organized by Columbus City Schools and Columbus Rotary. The Career Path Awards winners will be presented with a check at an awards ceremony that will take place in mid-May.
How does mentoring work?
The goal of the two one-hour mentoring sessions is to help students navigate the transition from high school to advanced training opportunities and the work world.
Student awardees will be matched with mentors who are knowledgeable about the student’s chosen career path.
The first mentoring session, which will last approximately 60 minutes, will take place at the student’s career center. The second mentoring session may be in person at the career center or by ZOOM, depending on the agreement between the student and mentor.
All mentoring sessions will be scheduled on mutually agreeable dates from mid-January to mid-April. Career Path Awardees must participate in two mentoring sessions to receive the $2,500 award.
Who do I contact for more information?
For more information about the Career Path Awards, please email Columbus Rotarian Steve Sundre at steve.sundre@gmail.com
