Scholarships

Opportunities to Make a Difference

Opening Doors for CHS Graduates

CEF scholarships help local students take the next step toward college, trade school, or career training. Many recipients are first generation college students or pursuing career paths that keep Columbus thriving.

Even small financial barriers can shut the door on higher education. Application fees, textbooks, safety equipment for trade programs, travel costs for clinicals, and basic supplies all add up. Our scholarships reduce those barriers so students can focus on learning.

Legacy Giving

Donors can make a powerful difference for years to come by including a gift to fund a scholarship through a will or living trust.

In Memory/Honor of Scholarships

A touching way to remember or honor someone you love is to set up a scholarship in their name.

College or Trade School Scholarships

Fund a scholarship to benefit students continuing their education at a college or trade school.

A Brighter Future Awaits

Apply for a Scholarship

The application deadline for the 2026-2027 CEF scholarship cycle is April 1, 2026. A list of available scholarships can be found on the Columbus High School website’s Scholarship Opportunities page. Applications must be submitted to the Columbus High School Counseling Center.

Our Impact

The Columbus Education Foundation proudly awarded 42 scholarships to deserving Columbus ISD seniors for the 2025–2026 school year. These scholarships, totaling $150,500, reflect the foundation’s ongoing commitment to supporting educational opportunities and helping students pursue their academic and career goals.

Through the generosity of donors and community partners, the Columbus Education Foundation continues to invest in the future of Columbus ISD students by easing the financial burden of pursuing higher education.

Class of 2026 Scholarship Recipients

CEF College Scholarship
  • Will Chavez
  • Emerson Glueck
  • Liam Halcom
  • Shelby Johnson
  • Estrella Lopez
  • Julissa Martinez
  • Cooper Osborne
  • Gracie Schobel
Leon & Beatrice Obenhaus Grodhaus Scholarship
  • Alejandra Diaz
  • Eddie Garcia
  • Ross Heffley
  • Zaid Ramirez
  • Jase Rau
  • Bryan Salazar
  • Wyatt Tipton
  • Isreal Westbrook
  • Macey Wilke
Leftwich Family Mental Health/Healthcare/Trade School Scholarship
  • Angelina Castilo
  • Micah Ehlert
  • Jada Espitia
  • Vanessa Palomares
  • Ava Weidermann
CEF Trade School Scholarship
  • Cullen Barrett
  • Cade Neumann
  • Parker Prenatt
Urban & Elizabeth Burtschell Scholarship
  • Isreal Westbrook
  • Kloee Woytek
W.H. Miekow Education Foundation Scholarship
  • Rylan Carruthers
  • Colby Lewis
Emmett and Illian Kveton Foundation Scholarship
  • Giovanni Martinez
  • Wyatt Wrobliski
Dr. Luther Street Memorial Scholarship
  • Colby Lewis
  • Keller McClelland
Don H. Morrison Memorial Trade School Scholarship
  • Colten Koy
  • Kloee Woytek
First Financial Trade School Scholarship
  • Colten Koy
Clyde A. Werland Memorial Trade School Scholarship
  • Jamilah Betanzos
CCWO Scholarship
  • Caylie Neisner

CEF Named and Memorial Scholarships

  • Aleks Medrano Memorial Scholarship
  • Columbus Christian Women’s Organization Scholarship
  • First Financial Group Scholarship
  • George L.H. King Memorial Scholarship
  • Leon & Beatrice Obenhaus-Grodhaus Scholarship
  • Linda Blair Memorial Scholarship
  • Martin Williams, Jr. Memorial Scholarship
  • Patsy & Sam Hodge Scholarship
  • Thomas B. Hancher, M.D. Scholarship
  • Urban & Elizabeth Burtschell Scholarship
  • WH Miekow Education Foundation Scholarship
"Theater has been a great passion in my life and inspired me to prepare myself for a career in Theater Education. I credit the great teachers I had for giving me such a strong foundation. The theater community at Columbus High School was strong and further motivated me to take a career path."
Carrie Fuller
2024 CEF Scholarship Winner