YMCA sponsorship

Columbus, Ohio —Franklin University, a leading educator of working adults, is pleased to announce its sponsorship of the Jerry L. Garver YMCA’s “Drive for the Y” and 5K run fundraisers.  The events, part of the organization’s “People Helping People”annual campaign, help raise money to provide financial assistance to children and families who can’t afford YMCA programs and services, such as childcare, swim lessons  and summer camp.

Through the “People Helping People” campaign, the gap is filled between community services and reaching the individuals and families who need it most. Each day, the YMCA opens its doors to all, bringing together men, women and children of all faiths, races, ages and incomes.  Financial assistance, based on a sliding fee scale, helps ensure that no one is turned away based on their ability to pay.

Franklin’s sponsorship of these two events provides the University with an exceptional opportunity to further expand its educational philosophy of providing access to individuals with a wide variety of prior academic experiences, and work-life circumstances to achieve their goals and enrich the world. 

The History of the YMCA and Franklin University    
The Columbus YMCA began holding classes in commerce in 1896, offering non-credit coursework by professionals who held jobs in Columbus area businesses during the day and taught by night.  Nearly 150 students took advantage of the convenient, affordable, practical coursework.

Franklin University, the 15^th American college to grow out of the YMCA, was founded in Columbus, Ohio, in 1902 under a YMCA sponsorship as the School of Commerce. From its inception, Franklin adjusted its schedules and programs to meet the needs of its market.  Over 100 years later, Franklin has grown into a leader in meeting the needs of busy adult students, serving more than 11,000 students each year – from all walks of life, all across the country, and all around the world.  Since 1902, Franklin University has been a pioneer in meeting the needs of adult students who have the ambition to continue their education in combination with other responsibilities.

About the YMCA of Central Ohio  
The YMCA is mission driven and at the heart of community life across Central Ohio, bringing together men, women and children of  all faiths, races, ages and incomes.  This year over 100,000 people, more than half of them children, will be a part of YMCA programs and services, such as individual family life, social development, physical fitness, recreation, special populations, outdoor education, childcare, preschool, camping and the arts.   Sponsorship assistance is available.  To learn more about YMCA of Central Ohio programs, visit www.ymcacolumbus.org or call 614-224-YMCA.

About Franklin University  
Founded in 1902, Franklin University is one of the leading and most experienced educators of adult students. Annually, more than 11,000 students attend Franklin, both at its Main Campus in downtown Columbus, Ohio, three Central Ohio locations, and at its newest location in Indianapolis, in addition to online. Franklin offers 27 undergraduate majors (including three new available Fall 2010) as well as three graduate programs and graduates more than 1,500 students annually. The University’s MBA Program is offered internationally through agreements with institutions in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.  Further information regarding Franklin University can be found at www.franklin.edu.