Youth Education Foundation Presents Columbia State with Expanded Scholarship Funding for Students
(COLUMBIA, Tenn. – May 11, 2026) — Columbia State Community College recently hosted a scholarship signing with the Youth Education Foundation to strengthen ties and support for local students.
The $10,000 scholarship will benefit students eligible for the Youth Education Foundation Tennessee Promise Scholarship Fund who are based in Maury County.
While Tennessee Promise covers tuition, the YEF scholarship helps bridge the gap for additional costs, making sure that financial barriers do not obstruct academic success.
“The investment made by YEF in Maury County college students fosters development that prepares them to successfully enter the workforce or continue their education at a university,” said Bethany Lay, Columbia State vice president for advancement and executive director of the Columbia State Foundation.
Founded in 2013, YEF was established to enhance educational opportunities for young people in Maury County. Since its inception as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the foundation has focused its efforts on programs that encourage students to graduate high school and transition successfully into college or technical vocational training.
“YEF is proud to support students like Nick and Malaika in pursuing their post-secondary degrees at Columbia State,” Travis Groth, YEF chairman. “Scholarship recipients like them are products of Maury County Schools and fine examples of how YEF strives to carry out its mission ‘to establish self-confidence within the youth of Maury County by providing mentorship, vital resources and educational opportunities to enable them to improve their lives and reach their desired level of accomplishment’.”
YEF’s ongoing contribution to Columbia State means both parties can continue the mission of educating and enriching local students to achieve their goals both inside and outside of the classroom.
“We are deeply grateful for the leadership of YEF and for all who give to the Youth Foundation,” said Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president. “The mission of YEF is rooted in student growth and success, with a commitment to cultivating the next generation of community leaders.”
The Columbia State Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports and partners with the college to positively impact student success and the communities in which it serves. For more information, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/Foundation.
Pictured (left to right): Sarah Groth, YEF administrative assistant; Columbia State student and YEF Scholarship recipient Malaika Ellahi; Bethany Lay, Columbia State vice president for advancement and executive director of the Columbia State Foundation; Columbia State student and YEF Scholarship recipient Nick Cottrell; and Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president.
Pictured (left to right): Bethany Lay, Columbia State vice president for advancement and executive director of the Columbia State Foundation; Sarah Groth, YEF administrative assistant; Columbia State students and YEF Scholarship recipients Malaika Ellahi and Nick Cottrell; and Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president.
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