$1M Worth Of Memberships Awarded To Students For Academic Achievement

COLUMBIA, MD — More than 700 families have received in excess of $1 million worth of memberships to Columbia Association programs based on their students' academic achievements.

Now in its 25th year, the CA Points Program rewards students for school attendance and academic achievement. Those students receive a free CA membership for one year. Students also have access to free programing, like tennis and swim lessons.

With CA Points, students and their immediate family members can access CA facilities free of charge, including 23 pools, the Columbia Ice Rink, Columbia SportsPark and more.

To qualify, students must be in third grade or above in a participating school, meet academic and attendance benchmarks, and have families enrolled in the Free and Reduced-Price Meals (FARMs) program.

“Through CA Points, we're investing in student achievement and overall wellbeing across our community," said Shawn MacInnes, president/CEO of Columbia Association. "By recognizing students’ hard work, we're helping build confidence, encourage healthy habits and expand access to the recreational and wellness resources that make Columbia special.”