October 10, 2024 — From a young age, Mikah England has always wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. What began as a curiosity of helping others turned into a deep passion for healthcare, leading him to trade his initial dream of becoming a mechanic for a career in nursing. Now, as a recent Fort Hayes Career Center graduate, he is one step closer to his goal through a full-tuition scholarship for the Practical Nursing Program at the Columbus School of Practical Nursing.

“I thought I was going to be a mechanic, but I like helping people,” England said. “I feel like the teachers I had at Fort Hayes and Columbus City Schools as a whole made me enjoy helping people.”

This newfound passion and guidance inspired England to pursue a different path and found his calling in a field where his desire to serve others can truly shine and allow him to complete the 12-month program debt-free and enter the high-demand field as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Columbus City Schools (CCS) is proud to provide opportunities like this, ensuring that students like England have the resources and support they need to turn their passion into a lifelong career.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways at CCS, such as the Fort Hayes Career Center nursing program, are designed to provide students with the foundational skills and credentials needed to excel in various industries. By offering real-world training and access to financial aid, CTE programs open doors to professions many students might not have previously considered. 

“Columbus City Schools has medical training in career tech, and we would love to get more students to go in that field,” said Workforce Development Coordinator at Adult & Community Education, Lynn Sosh. "We have proper support here so that somebody who does not have a medical background can succeed and get into the school."

For students like England, this support means gaining access to a lucrative healthcare career. The average LPN in Ohio earns $59,730 per year. Through programs like these, the District is addressing the state's growing workforce needs and empowering the next generation to build lives for themselves without the burden of debt.

“Practical nursing is a rewarding career choice for those seeking entrance to the healthcare field," said Program Administrator at Columbus School of Practical Nursing Dr. Patricia Harris. “They are employable in hospitals, physician offices, rehab facilities, home healthcare, outpatient surgery centers, immunization clinics, and schools. This makes it a worthwhile stepping stone for those wanting to enter the field.”

Equitable access to quality education and career training is essential for ensuring that all students, regardless of background, can see themselves in professional spaces they may have once thought were out of reach. The Columbus School of Practical Nursing provides a pathway for students to achieve their goals, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to pass the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) and become effective healthcare professionals. 

"I didn't even know this was possible," said England. "Honestly, I didn't know it was possible to get a full-ride scholarship to a nursing school of this caliber."

The success of the program is evident in its outcomes. The school consistently meets the completion, licensure, and placement benchmarks required for national accreditation. In fiscal year 2022, it boasted one of the highest NCLEX passage rates in Ohio, with 88% of program completers passing the state licensing exam. These results reflect the program’s dedication to students like England and show they can remove obstacles preventing students from achieving their full potential.

For England, the Practical Nursing Program is more than just a chance to enter a stable, well-paying career—it’s a doorway to a brighter future. By investing in programs like this, CCS ensures all students can pursue their aspirations, break into new fields, and impact their communities. The District’s commitment to equity in education is providing students with the means to build lives for themselves and their families, shaping the future of Columbus for generations to come.

For more information on scholarship opportunities, click here.