About
Our Story
College Now (formerly Cleveland Scholarship Programs) provides Greater Cleveland students with guidance and access to funds to prepare for and graduate from college.
For more than 40 years, our goal has been to help students pursue educational opportunities that empower them to embark on rewarding careers and strengthen our community.
Our History
College Now was founded by Robert Coplan, one of the founders of Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan, and Aronoff law firm. College Now was the first organization of its kind in the nation. Since then, it has become the largest in Ohio and one of the largest in the nation. College Now is a national leader. It has served as a model and best practice for other organizations around the country.
Today, we remain focused on paving the way for high school students and adult learners to prepare for, finance, and graduate from college. We deliver college access and success advising, financial aid counseling, and scholarship services in schools, in the College Now Resource Center and through community-based programs.
College Now is the only college access and success organization with advisors staffed in Greater Cleveland schools throughout the academic year.
Transforming lives, Developing the Region
The impact of what we do can be seen in the transformation of individual lives, as well as in the development and economic vitality of our community.
College Now helps students reach their full potential through college education. Many are from low-income households and are first-generation college students. Without College Now, many never would attend college and graduate career-ready.
Our commitment to create a college-going culture is an investment in the economic growth and vitality of Greater Cleveland. We are developing an educated talent pool of future professionals, whose contributions will attract new employers and grow businesses, making our region more competitive in the global economy.