In honor of its 100 years of service, the Rotary Club of Columbus created Bright from the Start, a $40,000 partnership with The Center for Education Support and the School of Education at The W. This investment ensures children in Lowndes County begin school happy, healthy, and prepared to succeed.

Completed Initiatives

Bright from the Start has already supported:

• The initial creation of a Resource Room for educators and families.
• The inaugural CHEER Conference, which brought together regional educators, families, and partners to strengthen early childhood readiness.

Upcoming Initiative – Baby Bag Project

The Baby Bag Project, a $5,000 initiative and the final phase of Bright from the Start, is scheduled to launch in spring 2026. This program will provide new families with baby bags filled with essential resources and connections to community supports, laying the foundation for long-term school success.

This partnership reflects the Rotary Club’s enduring commitment to education and community sustainability. Built entirely on community-based collaboration, Bright from the Start demonstrates the power of local investment to create lasting impact.

Read More

• New partnership, grant will support Lowndes County children until kindergarten – The Dispatch
• Rotary Club of Columbus celebrates 100 years – The Dispatch

Bright from the Start Gallery