Union Local, Olney Awarded K-12 Civics Education Grants
Press Release
NELSONVILLE, Ohio – The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO), in partnership with the Longaberger Family Foundation, has awarded 17 grants, totaling $47,028, to support K-12 civics education programming throughout the region.
“Firsthand experiences are critical for civics education at a young age – and consistent, dedicated funding is what makes sustained programming possible,” said Matt Kaido, Longaberger Family Foundation representative. “We’re proud to continue to work with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio to direct resources to where they will have the greatest impact for students across the region.”
FAO’s Strengthening Civics Education in Appalachian Ohio initiative provides funding for projects and programs that advance civics education opportunities for K-12 public school students. Its goal is to equip the children of Appalachia with the knowledge and tools necessary to become community leaders. Grant applications were open to K-12 public schools, educators, students, and public and nonprofit organizations serving K-12 students across Appalachian Ohio’s 32 counties.
Grants were awarded to:
- Union Local School District in Belmont County to support a seventh-grade field trip that will include guided tours of the Ohio Statehouse, Ohio Supreme Court and Columbus government offices
- Olney Friends School in Belmont County to support the 2027 student-led Olney Model United Nations regional conference
Other awardees are:
- The Academy for Urban Scholars Youngstown in Mahoning County to provide transportation to local civic institutions to observe democratic processes firsthand, interact with public officials and connect theoretical learning with real-world civic action
- Boardman Local School District to fund the eighth-grade student body’s participation in Mahoning County Law Day
- Caldwell Exempted Village School District in Noble County to fund 10 students’ participation in the Ohio Model United Nations program and conference
- Cambridge City Schools in Guernsey County to purchase equipment for Voices of Kindness, a weekly student-produced broadcast designed to strengthen civic awareness, leadership skills and social-emotional development among Cambridge Primary School’s K-2 students
- Fort Frye High School in Washington County to fund a field trip for a group of juniors and seniors enrolled in government and history courses to learn about the history of Marietta
- Gallia-Vinton Educational Service Center to support the Active Citizens Team (ACT), a K-12 instructional framework for student civic awareness, knowledge and engagement that 13 schools will implement in their after-school programs across Gallia County Local and Gallia City school districts
- Gallipolis City School District to fund an AP government field trip to the Ohio Supreme Court and a law career exhibit center
- Lawrence County Commissioners to support the Lawrence County Civic Scholars Fellowship, which provides students with hands-on experience in local government while building practical skills in civic engagement, problem-solving and public service
- Logan-Hocking Local School District received two grants: (1) to support the Young Citizens, Strong Communities civic education initiative for K-8 students who participate in the Project SAFE before- and after-school program and (2) to purchase the Social Thinking curriculum and tools designed to teach K-4 students critical thinking skills that will help them navigate complex social situations
- Mahoning Valley Re-Entry Coalition in Mahoning County to support a civics education initiative for K-12 students in Youngstown City Schools that will include workshops, civic forums and student-led projects
- Muskingum County Community Foundation to support Lead Local, a year-long program through which youth learn about civic structures and practice civic leadership by addressing real community needs
- Nelsonville-York City School District in Athens County to support the mock trial program for high school students
- Rendville Historic Preservation Society in Perry County to support the development of curriculum and learning activities that the society will offer to schools across Ohio and beyond through online educational materials and field trips
- Warren City School District in Trumbull County to support a tour of local civic and historical sites for all fourth-grade students
“Strong civic health requires opportunities for young people to participate in their communities, understand how government works and see themselves as community builders and leaders,” said Cara Dingus Brook, FAO president and CEO. “Thanks to the Longaberger Family Foundation and its continued partnership, we’re able to provide students hands-on learning experiences that empower them to strengthen civic health across our region for years to come.”
Since 2019, FAO and the Longaberger Family Foundation have awarded more than $182,000 in civics education grants through the Strengthening Civics Education in Appalachian Ohio initiative. This initiative is part of FAO’s Education Pillar of Prosperity, one of five areas essential to growing and sustaining a flourishing Appalachian Ohio.
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(Foundation for Appalachian Ohio press release)
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