OVCEF Approved Funding for 18 Education Grants for the 2024-2025 School Year

The Oley Valley Community Education Foundation (OVCEF) is proud to share it's funding of 18 innovative educational grants for the 2024-2025 school year. These grants will provide Oley Valley students with opportunities to explore and learn beyond the standard curriculum, thanks to the innovative and forward-thinking ideas of the district's dedicated teachers and staff members.


From hands-on STEM projects to creative arts programs and beyond, each grant reflects the passion of our educators to inspire students and enhance their learning experiences in meaningful ways. These projects aim to open doors for students, spark curiosity, and provide skills that will benefit them well beyond the classroom.


Below you will find a list of the funded grants, with a brief description of each project and the school it will benefit:


Sustaining OVSD Food Sources

Oley Valley High School

The purpose of this project is to expand OVHS food growing programs to include egg and chicken production. Students currently grow and donate leafy greens and vegetables to our HS cafeteria and community food banks as part of food and ag science courses. This program will expand that initiative to allow OVHS students to have access to protein production through ag classes.


9/11 Memorial and Museum Field Trip
Oley Valley Middle School

Our 7th grade students are born well after the tragic events of September 11, 2001, and therefore have no memory of this horrific day. Seventh graders possess the maturity to be taught what happened that day, who lost their lives, and who the many heroes that emerged that day, which this field trip will allow them to explore through a guided tour of the 9/11 Museum and Memorial.


STEM Hands-On Learning with Hydroponics

Oley Valley Elementary School

This project combines STEM learning with hydroponics to grow herbs, greens, flowers, and more. Students will have the opportunity to take a hands-on approach to learn about plant growth, nutrition, and sustainability. Activities and learning will vary between the grade levels from learning about plants, understanding hydroponics including interpreting pros and cons of using it, experimenting with germination of plants, and creating evidence based proposals for where the plants need to be placed within the unit. By the end of the year, all students, grades k - 5 will have an increased understanding of plant biology and hydroponics as an alternative, environmentally efficient way of growing plants.


Unified Sports: Bocce

Oley Valley High School

Unified Bocce brings people of all abilities together, promoting inclusion, teamwork, and friendships through the power of sports. Unified Bocce pairs studnets with and without intellectual disabilities to play together on the same team, creating meaningful connections while having fun.


The Art of Expression: A Conference for Emerging Writers
Oley Valley High School

The purpose of this project is to give students instruction from experts in the field of creative writing and publishing, allowing them to earn a certificate of completion which can be added to college applications, resumes, etc. They will also be given the chance to network with industry professionals and arrange potential mentorship opportunities.


Video Club - Auditorium Audio/Visual Expansion Project

Oley Valley Middle School

This project will fully utilize the newly-renovated MS auditorium and provide a more robust, fully-immersive experience for performances. In addition, the project will develop and utilize a trained staff of students to use their technical and artistic skills to make unique performances throughout the year.


Career Partnership Program

Oley Valley High School

Career exploration and development requires a strong collection of industry partners serving as mentors, presenters, site visit hosts, and advisors. This project will create a brand to support consistent messaging as we formalize a strong Career Partnership Program at Oley Valley School District.


One School, One Book

Oley Valley Elementary School

One School, One Book is a program designed to create a shared reading experience across an entire school community. Each student receives a copy of a selected book, and every family reads that book at the same time. The shared reading experience is maximized by presenting enriching activities at school that enable children to share and experience the characters and world of each book.


TSA Build Kits
Oley Valley Middle School & High School

This project will support young engineers as they design and build to understand core concepts and practices of engineering and design as part of TSA chapters at OVMS and OVHS.


Understanding Culture through Movement

Oley Valley Middle School

Students will discover the history of the British Empire bringing this sport around the world in social studies class. The key focus will be on the impact it had on the Indian subcontinent. The Bollywood movie, Lagaan, which is a historical fiction piece, focused on the conflict British Empire's rule on an Indian village and is resolved through a game of cricket. Next, students will learn the rules of this sport and actually play this game in their physical education classes.


United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Trip

Oley Valley High School

The project is to develop and implement an annual field trip to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., as part of an extension to the curriculum for the course History of the Holocaust. The study of this sensitive, yet profound topic, needs to be applied in a relevant fashion in order to best meet the needs of students within a 21st century perspective. By embracing varied student strengths (auditory, tactile, and visual), a visit to the museum will enhance these abilities for use in the classroom and beyond.


Teachers in the Parks (TIPs)

Oley Valley Elementary School

TIPs is a summer reading program that provides students with ongoing literacy support over the summer. Instead of reviewing literacy skills in a classroom, students enjoy reading and learning skills outside. Students learn in groups and have the opportunity to engage in reading skills while enjoying time with their peers in a summer camp-like environment.


Career Academy Remodel for Workforce Skills and Preapprenticeship

Oley Valley High School

The purpose of this project is to provide the Career Academy students and others with a complete hospitality and life skills setting to practice necessary skills for independence as well as workforce skills to prepare for pre-apprenticeship and internship opportunities. The setting will include a full kitchen, living area, and laundry room. 


Aevidum

Oley Valley Middle School

Aevidum is a club/team of students who focus throughout the year on small but meaningful ways to promote mental health and wellbeing among students and to provide a positive and safe environment where all students feel connected.  


Autistic/Emotional Support Rooms

Oley Valley High School

The purpose of our project is to establish a meaningful space for students with autism and emotional needs to feel safe and supported. As students transition from middle school to high school, many changes take place, until now, we have not had this type of space to provide safety and comfort at the high school. 


Ag Ed Science Lab
Oley Valley Elementary School
The Ag Ed Science Lab provides meaningful and effective hands-on STEM-focused experiments inside the mobile science lab for students in first through fifth grades. This program supports the elementary school’s agricultural education and meets state standards in science and technology and environment and ecology while doing it.


Drones in the Classroom

Oley Valley Middle School

This project brings coding to life by introducing students to programmable drones. Through hands-on activities, students learn to code as they program their drones. This engaging approach not only makes learning fun, but also builds valuable STEM skills, fostering creativity, problem-solving skills, and a love for technology.


Biomedical Learning Experiences 3.0

Oley Valley High School

This program continues to expand, attracting more students each year as they see connections and value in biomedical explorations as it relates to careers across various industries. Our biomedical pathway serves students considering medical/nursing school, biotechnology, and medical courses as part of a career pathway as well as those interested in taking one or two classes to explore a career cluster. The expansion of this project enables deeper science learning and supports the shift to phenomena focused learning that will carry our students and our school into the future.


OVCEF is incredibly proud to support these innovative projects and the educators who designed them. By encouraging students to think creatively, engage in hands-on learning, and explore new interests, these grants are helping to make the Oley Valley School District a place where learning truly comes to life.


This success wouldn't be possible without the support of our incredible community. Your contributions and dedication ensure we can continue funding projects that inspire and empower our students.

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By oleyvalleycef September 10, 2026
Oley Valley Community Education Foundation (OVCEF) is seeking a full-time community-minded Executive Director to provide leadership and direction for the Foundation’s day-to-day activities while advancing its mission and long-term goals. The Executive Director will work closely with the Board of Directors, Oley Valley School District, local businesses, community organizations, donors, alumni, educators, and volunteers. A primary focus of the position will be fundraising, donor and community relations, corporate partnerships, communications, and special events. Key Responsibilities Leadership & Board Support Work closely with the Board of Directors to implement the Foundation’s mission, strategic priorities, and annual goals Provide regular updates and reports to the Board Coordinate Board meetings, committees, and Foundation activities as needed Serve as an ambassador and public representative for OVCEF Fundraising & Development Develop and implement annual fundraising strategies and initiatives Cultivate relationships with individual donors, businesses, foundations, alumni, and community partners Identify and pursue corporate sponsorships and major gifts Coordinate annual giving campaigns and other fundraising efforts Research and pursue grant opportunities Develop compelling proposals, sponsorship materials, donor communications, and presentations Maintain strong donor stewardship and ensure timely acknowledgment of contributions Community & Corporate Relations Build and maintain meaningful relationships with local businesses and community organizations Identify opportunities for partnerships that support OVCEF’s mission Represent OVCEF at community, business, and educational events Increase awareness and visibility of the Foundation throughout the Oley Valley community Events & Fundraising Activities Lead and coordinate Foundation fundraising events in collaboration with Board members and volunteers Assist with sponsorships, ticket sales, auctions, raffles, donations, and other revenue-generating activities Recruit and coordinate volunteers Evaluate events and recommend improvements for future initiatives Communications & Marketing Oversee OVCEF’s website, social media, email communications, newsletters, and other public-facing materials Share stories that demonstrate the impact of Foundation-supported programs Promote fundraising campaigns, events, grants, and Foundation accomplishments Maintain a professional and consistent public image for OVCEF Financial & Administrative Responsibilities Assist the Board Treasurer and Board with annual budgeting and financial planning Maintain accurate donor, sponsorship, fundraising, and organizational records Work with the Foundation’s accountant and other professional service providers as needed Ensure activities are conducted in accordance with Board policies and applicable nonprofit requirements Knowledge/Experience Required: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant professional experience Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills Strong organizational and project-management skills Ability to build and maintain relationships with donors, businesses, community members, educators, and volunteers Ability to work independently and collaboratively with the Board of Directors Preferred: Nonprofit fundraising or development experience Experience with corporate sponsorships and grant writing Experience planning fundraising or community events Experience with social media, websites, donor databases, and nonprofit technology Familiarity with the Oley Valley community and/or public education Salary Range: $50K-$60K Classification: Exempt Work Location: Hybrid Benefits: 2 weeks paid vacation; cannot be taken during blackout period Health Insurance Stipend available, if applicable Flexible scheduling options to support work-life balance Compliance with applicable background checks, clearances, confidentiality requirements, and school district access protocols. OVCEF is an equal opportunity employer and will consider qualified applicants without unlawful discrimination. Reasonable accommodations will be considered in accordance with applicable law. Established in 1996, OVCEF’s mission is to enhance educational opportunities for the students, residents, employees, and alumni of the Oley Valley School District while encouraging community support and participation. Review of applications for this position will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Please email resume, cover letter, and any other supporting application materials to oleyvalleycef@gmail.com . Optional documents may include: proof of education/certification, licenses, and letters of recommendation.
By oleyvalleycef August 18, 2026
For many Oley Valley families, Friday mornings at the library became a favorite part of summer. The Oley Valley Community Library’s free Summer Learning Program gave children and families a chance to laugh, learn, move, create, and try something new each week—all close to home and at no cost. This marked the eighth year that the Oley Valley Community Education Foundation financially supported the program. Throughout the summer, 239 patrons attended, with an average of approximately 30 people participating each week. This year’s programs offered something for nearly every interest. Families explored science, practiced juggling and circus skills, participated in creative movement, enjoyed magic, experimented with STEM kits, made music through bucket drumming, and met some memorable visitors during an amazing presentation from Party Animal Express. No two Friday mornings were quite the same. One week, children might have watched a science experiment or learned a new circus skill. The next, they might have moved to music, enjoyed a magic trick, played a bucket drum, or gotten an up-close look at an animal they had never seen before. Although school was out, learning continued—just in a different way. Summer learning does not always need to look like a classroom lesson. It can happen when a science demonstration sparks a question, when a child gathers the courage to try something new, or when an animal encounter leads to a conversation that continues long after the program ends. Just as importantly, the Summer Learning Program gave local families a fun and engaging activity they could enjoy together without having to travel far or spend money. Opportunities like this make a meaningful difference, especially during the long summer weeks when families are looking for affordable ways to keep children active and curious. OVCEF was proud to support the Summer Learning Program for the eighth consecutive year, and we are grateful to the Oley Valley Community Library for planning the programs, welcoming families each week, and continuing to make learning fun throughout the summer. Thank you to everyone who joined in the fun on Friday mornings at the library this summer. We hope your family left with plenty of smiles, a few new memories, and maybe even a new interest or two.
By oleyvalleycef August 4, 2026
In May, we hosted our second annual OVCEF Alumni Mixer. On paper, it was simple enough: alumni gathering together for an evening of food, conversation, and reconnecting. But somewhere between the handshakes, hugs, and stories that started with, "Do you remember when..." it became obvious that it was really about something else entirely. There is something about growing up in a small town. You may move away. Build a career somewhere else. Raise your children in another community. Years pass. Sometimes decades. But then someone mentions a teacher's name, a Friday night football game, a school play, a field trip, or a memory from the cafeteria, and suddenly you're right back there again. It's funny how quickly that happens. As the evening unfolded, you could see people spotting old friends across the tables and picking up conversations that had simply been paused for a few years — or twenty, or thirty. People weren't talking about job titles or resumes. They were talking about teachers who changed their lives, classmates they hadn't seen in years, and stories they thought only they remembered, only to find everyone else at the table remembered them too. For a few hours, the years in between didn't seem to matter very much. One alumnus summed it up perfectly: "Oley will always feel like home." I don't think they were the only person feeling that way that night. Because maybe that's one of the best things about a community like ours. Home isn't always the place where you live. Sometimes it's the place that helped make you who you are. At OVCEF, we spend a lot of time thinking about the future: scholarships for graduating seniors, education grants that bring new opportunities into classrooms, and community programs that create experiences for students and families. But evenings like the Alumni Mixer serve as an important reminder that our future is built on generations of people who continue believing in this community long after they've walked across the graduation stage. Many of the people helping create opportunities for students today were once students here themselves: The business owners supporting our events. The volunteers giving their time. The parents cheering from the sidelines. Many of them sat in the same classrooms, walked the same hallways, and were encouraged by the same teachers that current students know today. There is something pretty special about that. The Alumni Mixer wasn't really about looking backward. It was about being reminded that communities don't happen by accident. They happen because people continue showing up for them. They happen because people decide that where they came from still matters. They happen because someone who graduated twenty years ago still wants good things for the students walking those same hallways today. As the evening came to an end and conversations slowly wrapped up, it felt less like the end of an event and more like the continuation of a story that has been unfolding here for generations. One group graduates and another takes their place, and somewhere in the middle, a community continues showing up for its schools and its students. To everyone who attended, volunteered, donated raffle items, and helped make the evening possible, thank you! Thank you for the stories, the laughter, and the reminder that some places never really leave you. At OVCEF, our mission has always been to expand opportunities for Oley Valley students and support the surrounding community. Events like the Alumni Mixer remind us that this work isn't only about the next generation. It's also about the generations that came before them and the generations that will come after. And maybe that's exactly what makes Oley Valley feel like home.
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