OEF Grant Program
The purpose of OEF Grant Program is to fund creative and innovative projects in Olentangy Schools. Grants are used for materials, resources and programs that fall outside school budgets. For more information on the grant process or to submit an application, please visit the grant application page.
2026-27 Classroom Grant Highlights
The Library Living Lab: Growing Future Innovators with AI and Hydroponics
Grant Authored by Beth van Kan, Johnnycake Corners Elementary School
Sponsored by: The Huprich Family Fund
The Library Living Lab will turn the school library into an AI-supported indoor hydroponic garden where K–5 students act as “Growth Scientists.” Students will plant, monitor, compare, and harvest crops while connecting STEM, library learning, literacy, sustainability, and social-emotional wellness. The project also creates a calming green space and supports community service through student snacks, food pantry donations, and staff donations for future supplies.
Hearts in Harmony: Music Therapy for Inclusive Classrooms
Grant Authored by Mary Eisel, Scioto Ridge Elementary School
Sponsored by: Scott Scriven Law
Hearts in Harmony will bring music therapy into the Specialized Learning Center to support students with diverse learning, communication, sensory, and emotional needs. Through rhythm, movement, sound, and structured musical activities, students will practice communication, emotional regulation, motor skills, social interaction, and academic concepts in a motivating way. The sessions build on each student’s strengths while creating an inclusive environment that supports confidence, connection, and meaningful growth.
Books for Berlin Middle School Battle of the Books
Grant Authored by Christina Zeller, Berlin Middle School
Sponsored by: Board of Education Fund
Battle of the Books is an academic enrichment program that encourages Berlin Middle School students to read from a set of 20 books and compete in building, district, and regional competitions. The program strengthens literacy skills, vocabulary, confidence, social connections, and a lifelong love of reading while celebrating students’ reading accomplishments. With 97 students participating this year—the largest program in Olentangy—Berlin Middle School needs grant funding to purchase enough books for all participants and continue growing the program’s impact.
Bridging the Classroom and the World
Grant Authored by Margaret Link (Shoaf), Berlin Middle School
Sponsored by: Reitter Family
Bridging the Classroom and the World will fund a high-quality web camera system to support virtual field trips and global collaboration through the classroom ViewSonic. The project expands access to real-world learning experiences by connecting students with experts, museums, and educational programs while reducing barriers created by rising field trip costs. It also includes a shared reservation system, staff training, and a curated database of virtual field trip providers to support sustainable schoolwide use. By improving visibility, audio, and interaction, the camera system will make virtual experiences more inclusive, engaging, and meaningful for students.
Calculus in 3D: A New Innovative Dimension of Learning
Grant Authored by Lauren Sauer, Olentangy High School
Sponsored by: Meeder Wealth Investments
Calculus in 3D will bring Mixed Reality technology to AP Calculus and Precalculus through a Meta Quest 3 headset. Students will move beyond two-dimensional sketches by interacting with 3D geometric solids, volumes of revolution, and vector spaces in immersive simulations. The project supports spatial reasoning, collaboration, student-led demonstrations, and stronger understanding of challenging calculus concepts. By piloting spatial computing, the grant helps prepare students for future STEM learning with cutting-edge tools that make abstract mathematics visible and intuitive.
Challenge Island – 5th Grade STEAM Projects
Grant Authored by Lynn Shirk, Scioto Ridge Elementary School
Sponsored by: Meeder Wealth Investments
Challenge Island will provide fifth graders at Scioto Ridge with two hands-on STEAM adventures connected to life science and economics standards. Students will model energy flow in Ohio ecosystems, explore producers, consumers, decomposers, predators, prey, and scavengers, and then apply economics vocabulary through a country-based slime production simulation. The activities require teamwork, problem-solving, creativity, communication, and reflection as students design solutions and present their learning. By combining standards-based content with collaborative challenges, the project gives students memorable opportunities to synthesize classroom learning in practical, engaging ways.
Cortical Visual Impairment Space
Grant Authored by Lindsay Davis, ALL schools
Sponsored by: Delaware Pediatric Dentistry
The Cortical Visual Impairment Space grant will create CVI-specific sensory spaces in Specialized Learning Center classrooms to help students with CVI access to their vision for learning and enjoyment. These structured environments will reduce visual complexity, support functional vision, and provide consistent spaces tailored to students’ unique visual needs. Staff will be trained to use and integrate the spaces into daily instruction, with the long-term goal of expanding the model across additional SLC classrooms throughout the district.
Cultivating Brilliance: Scaling the DiG Framework for Lasting Student Agency
Grant Authored by Andrea Vescelius, Olentangy Orange High School
Sponsored by: OSU Wexner Medical Center and ZOOlentangy Featured Grant
Cultivating Brilliance will expand the Designed inGenuity (DiG) framework from a successful Year 1 pilot into a sustainable districtwide model for learner agency and creative problem-solving. Veteran DiG educators will become peer mentors while a new cohort of approximately 16 teachers receives training and support. Students will participate in iterative DiG cycles that strengthen critical thinking, inquiry, collaboration, and self-directed learning, culminating in a public Innovation Exhibition connected to real-world problems. The project builds a teacher-led ecosystem of innovation that supports lasting classroom transformation and future-ready learning.
Equations for Equity: Bridging the Algebra Gap with a Mathematical Lending Library
Grant Authored by Gregory Stevens, Berlin Middle School
Sponsored by: North Orange Family Dentistry
Equations for Equity will establish a Mathematical Lending Library that allows Algebra 1 students to check out TI-84 CE Plus graphing calculators for use beyond the classroom. By partnering with the Media Center’s circulation system, the program removes socioeconomic barriers to after-school practice and helps students build the calculator fluency needed for the Ohio State Test and future STEM coursework. The model turns calculators into mobile learning tools, encouraging inquiry, responsibility, and deeper engagement with math outside the school day. It also creates a scalable approach for equitable access to other high-value academic tools across the school.
Expanding Musical Exploration at Alum Creek and Cheshire Through Indian Music
Grant Authored by Nathan Stewart, Cheshire Elementary School
Sponsored by: Delaware Pediatric Dentistry
Expanding Musical Exploration will bring tabla drums and artist-in-residence experiences to Alum Creek and Cheshire Elementary so K–5 students can explore Indian music through performance, composition, and improvisation. Students will learn proper playing techniques, deepen their understanding of the cultural significance of tabla, and use the instruments in small-group, center-based, and performance settings. By partnering with Dhvani, the India Performing Arts Society of Central Ohio, the project expands students’ musical and cultural knowledge while enriching everyday music instruction for years to come.
Exploring Jazz with Columbus Jazz Artists, featuring Grammy-Award Winner Carmen Bradford
Grant Authored by Anna Murcko, Berlin Middle School
Sponsored by: North Orange Family Dentistry
Exploring Jazz will bring Columbus-area professional jazz musicians and Grammy Award winner Carmen Bradford to Berlin Middle School for several days of vocal jazz instruction with the 7th grade choir. Students will prepare choral jazz arrangements for a joint performance with the Berlin High School Choirs while learning jazz style, vocal technique, and the foundations of improvisation. The project gives students access to expert coaching in a specialized musical genre, helping them apply new skills in performance and better understand jazz as vocal artists.
Illuminating Learning: Expanding Middle School Art Through Glass Exploration
Grant Authored by Kaitlyn Kennedy, Berlin Middle School
Sponsored by: Scott Scriven Law
Illuminating Learning will fund glass materials and tools to sustain and expand Berlin Middle School’s unique glass art program, the only one of its kind in Olentangy. Students in grades 6–8 will gain hands-on experience with cutting, layering, kiln-formed design, safety, craftsmanship, and creative problem-solving. Building on a successful first year, the project increases access to an uncommon artistic medium, embeds glass work into the curriculum, and gives students opportunities to display their artwork for the school and community.
Inclusive Body Microphone Upgrade for Performing Arts
Grant Authored by Daniel Skrovan, Olentangy Liberty High School
Sponsored by: Delaware Pediatric Dentistry
Inclusive Body Microphone Upgrade for Performing Arts will replace aging equipment with 24 new lavalier microphones in multiple skin-tone shades to improve sound quality, reliability, and representation on stage. The project supports student confidence and comfort by helping performers use equipment that better reflects the diversity of the student population. It also creates leadership opportunities for students in sound engineering, microphone assignment, and sound mixing. By combining a technical upgrade with a focus on inclusion, the grant strengthens theater productions, school events, and the broader performing arts experience.
ISES Photography Crew
Grant Authored by Elizabeth Beaver, Indian Springs Elementary School
Sponsored by: Elaine Eddy Fund
ISES Photography Crew will give Indian Springs Elementary students hands-on experience using digital cameras to capture everyday moments, theme weeks, assemblies, and other school events. Students will learn basic photography skills, write captions that apply classroom writing strategies, and share their work through the school slideshow, newsletter, and community communications. The project builds technology skills, strengthens school spirit, and helps students contribute to a shared sense of belonging through student-created digital media.
Laser-Powered Learning: Real-World Design Opportunities for All Learners
Grant Authored by Elizabeth Addy, Berkshire Middle School
Sponsored by: Fanning Howey
Laser-Powered Learning will fund a laser engraver to turn Berkshire Middle School classrooms and GO Time into a purpose-driven design studio for real-world projects. Students will use design, writing, STEM, entrepreneurship, and creative problem-solving skills to create products such as Chef Showcase items, student-store merchandise, hero speech plaques, ELL welcome materials, and Berkshire Fest pieces. The engraver will be available schoolwide through a shared sign-up system with teacher support to ensure equitable access and meaningful integration across subjects. By producing authentic products for real audiences, students will strengthen curiosity, kindness, resilience, and purpose while experiencing project-based learning beyond traditional assignments.
Literacy Games, Multisensory Tools, and Resources for ELL Students
Grant Authored by Lauren Day, Liberty Tree Elementary School
Sponsored by: The Feasel Family Fund
Literacy Games, Multisensory Tools, and Resources for ELL Students will provide literacy-rich games, sensory materials, and classroom transformations to support English learners in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students will practice foundational literacy skills, build vocabulary, strengthen peer connections, and develop language through play-based, multisensory experiences. By aligning with curriculum and the Pillars of Literacy, the project gives multilingual students engaging opportunities to grow academically, socially, and emotionally while increasing learner agency and confidence.
Make It Real: A Color Print & Laser Fabrication Studio for Student Creators
Grant Authored by James Meta, Hyatts Middle School
Sponsored by: Fanning Howey
Make It Real will add a color laser printer and CO2 laser cutter/engraver to Hyatts Middle School’s technology program and Makerspace, creating a hands-on fabrication studio for student creators. Students will move from digital design to finished products such as school merchandise, graphics, awards, stickers, keepsakes, and community items while building skills in design thinking, media production, entrepreneurship, marketing, and project workflow. The studio will support technology classes, cross-curricular projects, school events, and community needs, giving students authentic opportunities to turn creative ideas into tangible products with real-world value.
Marching Pioneers Outdoor Sound System
Grant Authored by Joshua Boyer, Olentangy Orange High School
Sponsored by: DCTS
The Marching Pioneers Outdoor Sound System grant will provide electricity and hardware for a permanent outdoor sound system housed securely in the Olentangy Orange Marching Pioneers Band Tower. The system will improve rehearsal efficiency and effectiveness for more than 200 marching band students by providing reliable amplification and playback during daily fall practices. By using conduit built into the tower in 2023 and adding secure, outdoor-rated equipment, the project creates a long-term improvement to the marching band’s practice field and learning environment.
Materials and Manufacturing Manipulation
Grant Authored by Rory Schmidt, Olentangy Orange High School
Sponsored by: OSU Wexner Medical Center
Materials and Manufacturing Manipulation will give students hands-on experience with UV laser technology as part of the Industrial Technology curriculum. Students will use computer-aided drafting and laser engraving to explore how different materials respond in the manufacturing process. The project expands college and career readiness by exposing students to cutting-edge manufacturing tools and allowing them to create custom components, branding, and team-based design projects.
Mixed Media Art-Making in the Elementary Art Room
Grant Authored by Jonathan Juravich, Liberty Tree Elementary School – All Schools
Sponsored by: Maryann Howey Elementary Art Fund
Mixed Media Art-Making in the Elementary Art Room will provide high-quality collage and mixed-media materials, tools, and organizational systems for elementary art classrooms across the district. The project supports creativity, fine motor development, confidence, independence, and collaboration by giving students consistent access to thoughtfully organized materials. It also strengthens teacher collaboration and professional learning around mixed-media instruction, creating more student-centered opportunities for exploration and artistic expression.
Research in Action: Documentary Film-Making
Grant Authored by Rachel Hecker, Olentangy Orange High School
Sponsored by: HR Imaging
Research in Action: Documentary Film-Making will empower students to become investigative filmmakers by researching complex social issues, interviewing local experts, and producing 10–15 minute documentaries. Students will build advanced research, rhetorical, technical, collaborative, and ethical communication skills while analyzing topics through multiple perspectives. By shifting students from passive consumers of information to active producers of knowledge, the project connects academic research with real-world storytelling, community engagement, and media literacy.
The Lark Cart
Grant Authored by Rachel Allen, Liberty Tree Elementary School
Sponsored by: The Ashley Wyss Fund and Elaine Eddy Fund
The Lark Cart will give students in Liberty Tree’s Specialized Learning Centers a hands-on, functional learning experience through a complimentary snack and drink cart for staff. Students will use picture-based order forms to prepare, pack, and deliver items while practicing IEP-aligned skills such as communication, functional academics, independence, task completion, and confidence. Operating twice monthly, the project creates meaningful student roles that build social connection, collaboration, and a stronger sense of belonging within the school community. Ongoing support from the PTO and administration will help sustain the program beyond the initial grant funding.
The Zen Den
Grant Authored by Sydney Ransome, Cheshire Elementary School
Sponsored by: North Orange Family Dentistry
The Zen Den will create a structured, research-based sensory environment at Cheshire Elementary to support student regulation, engagement, and readiness to learn. Organized into Calming, Active Regulation, and Transition to Learn zones, the space will provide proactive sensory supports that increase on-task behavior, reduce disruptions, and help students build self-regulation skills. The project aligns with MTSS and Universal Design for Learning, includes staff training and data-driven progress monitoring, and offers a scalable model for inclusive sensory support across Olentangy.
Upright Beginnings
Grant Authored by Kellie Abbott, Preschools
Sponsored by: Leymaster Family Fund
Upright Beginnings will support preschool handwriting readiness by providing high-quality vertical boards across OLSD preschool sites. Writing on upright surfaces promotes posture, core engagement, shoulder stability, wrist extension, visual attention, and functional pencil grasp—key foundations for efficient handwriting. By shifting support from intervention to prevention, the project combines occupational therapy best practices with classroom tools to help young learners build healthy writing habits, confidence, and future academic readiness.
Voices of OHS: High School Podcasting Initiative
Grant Authored by Ellie MacDowell, Olentangy High School
Sponsored by: Adam R. Edgerton Memorial Fund
Voices of OHS will fund a dedicated podcasting setup with advanced technology and professional-grade furniture to expand the high school journalism program. Students will learn audio production, interviewing, research, storytelling, editing, audience awareness, and digital media skills while producing podcasts about school culture, current events, and community stories. The initiative gives students a modern platform to move from media consumers to media creators, amplifying student voice and preparing them for future communication and media opportunities.
Voices Through Music: Unlocking Communication and Connection
Grant Authored by Olivia Phelps, Hyatts Middle School
Sponsored by: Kieselbach Family Fund
Voices Through Music will provide small-group music therapy sessions for students with disabilities in a specialized learning classroom. Led by a certified music therapist, the sessions will use multisensory music activities to strengthen communication, social interaction, emotional regulation, turn-taking, and group participation. By building on students’ interest in music and offering accessible ways to express themselves, the project supports inclusion, confidence, and meaningful connection within the classroom and school community.
Wacom One Displays for the Digital Art Lab
Grant Authored by Stephanie Forney, Olentangy Orange High School
Sponsored by: HR Imaging
Wacom One Displays for the Digital Art Lab will expand access to industry-standard screen-based drawing tablets so every student in the digital art lab can work with consistent, modern equipment. Students will use stylus-and-screen technology to draw and paint more naturally in Adobe Creative Cloud while learning tools that mirror professional digital art and design workflows. The project strengthens creativity, equity, and curriculum consistency by allowing entire classes to learn at the same pace with the same high-quality devices.