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Cap The Gap Initiative: Bridging the Graduation Divide

Every graduation is a powerful moment one that no student should miss simply because they can’t afford the essential cap and gown. Cap The Gap aims to ensure that every high school senior in Columbus, Ohio, has the dignity, pride, and opportunity to walk across the stage no exceptions.

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Why is this needed in Columbus?

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Here are some of the realities faced by students in our community:

  • In the Columbus City School District, 22.8% of people live below the poverty line. (Census Reporter)

  • Franklin County, where Columbus is located, has a poverty rate of 16.7% overall; among children, the rate is much higher. (Franklin County Ohio)

  • Ohio’s childhood poverty rate is 17.7%. (Spectrum News 1)

  • Within impoverished communities, many families are cost‐burdened: a large share of income goes to basics such as housing, food, and utilities, leaving little or nothing for expenses perceived as “extra,” like graduation regalia. (Spectrum News 1)

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The cost burden of cap and gown

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  • A full cap, gown, and tassel set (basic graduation regalia) can cost anywhere from $60 to over $100, depending on where purchased and which school’s requirements. 

  • Even modest expenses like these can be prohibitive when household budgets are already stretched with rent, food, utilities, and childcare.

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What Cap The Gap Does?

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Cap The Gap is committed to:

  • Purchasing cap and gown sets for students who cannot afford them.

  • Partnering with local schools to distribute these sets.

  • Creating awareness that graduation is not a privilege reserved for those who can pay—it’s a right that belongs to all.

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How You Can Help

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  • Donate: Even a small contribution can cover a full regalia set for a student.

  • Partner: Local businesses or school groups can sponsor distributions or help with logistics.

  • Spread the Word: Sharing the mission helps reach those who most need support and those who want to help.

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Partner with Celebrating One: Cap The Gap Initiative

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Celebrating One invites high schools in Franklin County and surrounding areas to partner with us in the CapTheGap initiative, ensuring every graduating senior has access to a cap and gown. If your school has students who may be unable to afford graduation regalia, we encourage you to apply for support.

Instructions:

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  1. Complete the application form in full.

  2. Provide accurate school demographics and estimates of students in need.

  3. Submit the form by the deadline November 1 to be considered.

  4. A Celebrating One representative will follow up with your school regarding eligibility and next steps.

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Together, we can make sure no student misses the milestone of graduation because of financial barriers.

Apply for Cap & Gown Support: CapTheGap Initiative

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Graduation is a milestone every student deserves to celebrate. Through the CapTheGap initiative, Celebrating One provides free caps and gowns to high school seniors who may not be able to afford them.

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Instructions for Students:

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  1. Complete the application form with your contact information and school details.

  2. Share a brief explanation of your need for assistance.

  3. Submit the form by the deadline February 1st to be considered.

  4. You will be contacted by Celebrating One or your school counselor with next steps.

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Our goal is to ensure no senior misses the chance to walk proudly at graduation because of financial challenges.

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