Name of Your Sponsor
Continental Building Co.

Name of Your Nonprofit
Columbus Early Learning Centers

Tell us about your organization and why people should vote for you
Since 1887, Columbus Early Learning Centers (CELC) has been providing affordable high-quality early learning and care to children in urban Columbus. By providing subsidized learning and care year-round, CELC provides a two-generational approach to reducing poverty for area families. CELC’s services make it possible for parents to work or attend school, while children are cared for in education-focused classrooms staffed by highly qualified early childhood teachers.

Our students graduate from the program ready to enter kindergarten at a level of preparedness equal to that of their peers from higher socioeconomic statuses. CELC impacts the lives of more than 300 children enrolled annually in five highly rated center-based programs. Typically 95% of students receive public subsidies or tuition assistance and over 65% live at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.

An additional 1100 children and their families are served through community-based programming such as home visits by early learning specialists and various wraparound services including access to housing and utility assistance, food security and holiday support. Our vision is for all children to have an early learning experience that gives them a foundation for future success in school and in life. The mission of Columbus Early Learning Centers is to help young learners develop, families succeed and neighborhoods thrive.

Special thanks to Continental Building Co. for sponsoring us this year!

We need all hands on deck to make this our best regatta race yet! Vote today and make our victory smooth sailing!