I Know I Can
Helping Columbus City School Students Enter and Succeed in College

About Us

Our Story: 
I Know I Can (IKIC)
was founded in 1988 as a result of the foresight, dedication and generosity of community and civic leaders who believed that no child should be denied a college education simply because they could not afford it. 

I Know I Can is the only college access program in Columbus, and one of the largest and most successful in the nation.  Since its beginning, I Know I Can has made higher education a reality for tens of thousands of Columbus City Schools students who dreamed of a college education and worked hard to get it.

Our Mission:
... is "to inspire, enable and support Columbus City Schools students in pursuing and completing a college education."

Our Plan:
  • TO INSPIRE CCS students to make college a part of their future by providing them with knowledge about the benefits of post-secondary education.
  • TO ENABLE CCS graduates with I Know I Can Grant assistance and leveraging additional financial assistance.
  • TO SUPPORT CCS graduates once in college with support services to help ensure degree completion.  

Our Programs:
The mission of I Know I Can is apparent every day through our long list of programs.  With a team of dedicated staff and advisors, as well as partnerships with Columbus City Schools, we offer everything from children's books to one-on-one counseling and in-depth college planning toolkits that ensure success for all grade levels.  '

Our Success:

  • Awarded over 22,000 grants valued at nearly $23 Million to Columbus City School graduates
  • Leveraged more than $300 Million in additional financial aid for Columbus City School graduates
I Know I Can

Dream Big. Work Hard. We'll Help. | 3798 East Broad Street | Columbus, Ohio 43213 | (614) 233-9512 phone

OCAN Member