COLUMBIA, S.C. (courtesy allenuniversity.edu) — Allen University and the Columbia Housing Authority (CHA) have announced a new partnership that will positively impact both adult and student residents of Columbia Housing and, in so doing, positively impact the Waverly Community and the City of Columbia. For adult residents of Columbia Housing, the new partnership with Allen will offer personal and professional development programs, to include a comprehensive workforce training and development program, GED classes, computer skills training, and literacy enhancement. For Columbia Housing youth, the program will offer increased access and exposure to an institution of higher learning, STEM summer camps, career assessments and skills training for future careers, computer skills training, and scholarships for deserving students. In addition, Allen University will facilitate support of Columbia Housing education activities. In exchange, Columbia Housing will provide much needed housing for AU faculty and staff, visiting lecturers, and invited guests, as well as a large tract of land on Forest Drive (near the corner of Taylor Street) which will be used as a practice field for Allen University Athletics.
“We are pleased to have the opportunity to work with President Mathews and the Columbia Housing Authority to explore and execute projects that serve our varied and shared interests,” said Allen University President and CEO Ernest McNealey. “CHA and Allen University share the same neighborhood and see it as only natural to work together when opportunities arise.”
“We are excited about playing a small role in assisting the student athletes at Allen University prepare for the upcoming football season. We are as equally excited that this partnership will result in an academic scholarship for one of our residents,” said Ivory N. Mathews, CHA chief executive officer.
