Columbus Learning Center 4555 Central Avenue, Columbus, IN 47203

Columbus Learning Center, located at 4555 Central Avenue in Columbus, Indiana, is a part of the Community Education Coalition, a collaborative effort between community stakeholders, major businesses, and educators in the area. This 25-year partnership focuses on aligning the region's community learning system with economic growth and an improved quality of life.

The institution is committed to promoting equity and inclusivity in all its work, particularly addressing racial and income inequality to ensure that every individual thrives educationally, financially, and civically. One of their key initiatives is Early Learning Bartholomew County, which aims to build a quality early learning system accessible to all families and sustainable for early learning programs.

In 2022, the institution established the role of Black and Black-Biracial Youth Initiatives Manager, with a focus on improving education outcomes for Black and Black-biracial youth and families. This manager collaborates with community stakeholders to co-create strategies aligned with the voices of the community.

The Bridge, a connection hub for services shared by Ivy Tech Community College, Purdue Polytechnic, and IU Columbus, supports students throughout their academic journey and connects them to resources and employment opportunities. The lead navigator role, funded through the Indiana READI grant and the AirPark Campus institutions, provides valuable information and resources to students.

CivicLab, founded in 2012, is dedicated to advancing the practice of civic collaboration and has partnered with over 300 communities across the country. The success of the Columbus Learning Center relies on strong partnerships with business, education, and civic leaders, as well as cross-sector collaborations between workforce and education.