GRANT MONEY HELPS STUDENT ATTEND COLLEGE

Grant Money Helps Student Attend College East Columbus Development Company Individual Development Account – Kiana Gordon Story (Education)

Kiana felt very strongly in her heart to attend Valor Christian College in Columbus Ohio.  She had heard about it a year prior through friends and at that time she lived in Camp Springs, Maryland so it was a shock that she was even considering to attend the college.  She knew it was the Lord drawing her to Valor because she struggled with so much fear of making this huge transition. Maryland was all she knew! She grew up in Maryland… went to school in Maryland…. her family and friends were in Maryland.  Torn between excitement and fear, she filled out an application and was accepted into Valor!  After prayer she moved from Maryland to Ohio to attend.  It was a leap of faith as she did not know how she would fully pay for tuition.  Financial Aid was not offered for a school like this so some creative financing had to be done.

Her second and third semester were really tough because she did not have any financial support. She worked and put as much money as she could towards her balance but in the third semester, there was still a huge balance.  She met with a financial adviser at Valor who introduced her and led her to East Columbus Development Company (ECDC) IDA program where she could save $1000 and be matched  2:1 so that $3000 could be applied toward her tuition.  Kiana took advantage of this opportunity and once she saved $1000 dollars, all funds ($3000) were paid to Valor Christian College! “What a relief” she said.

With just a semester away from graduation, through a work study program, ECDC and sponsorship from her church, family and friends she was able to pay for room and board along with her education.

Kiana already has a degree in Sociology from a University but she knew completing the 2 year Bible College was part of God’s plan for her.  Her concentration is in Pastoral Leadership and we are excited to show support from ECDC and help her achieve her goals.

Kiana stated “Not only di dthe ECDC IDA program help her pay off the third semester balance, but it also gave her the opportunity to attend classes that taught her how to budget,  save money, improve credit, and so much more! “Participating in this savings program made a BIG difference in my life and I met so many wonderful people.  I am SO GRATEFUL! Thank you East Columbus Development Company for offering hope to those in needs!”

The future seems promising for Kiana and we were excited to have a hand in the outcome.  All of her hopes and dreams were made possible through the sponsorships and funding of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Franklin County Economic Development and Planning Department (CDBG), City of Columbus Department of Development and PNC Bank.