OVCEF’s “Tools of the Trade” Program Supports Oley Valley BCTC Students
At the Oley Valley Community Education Foundation (OVCEF), we believe that no student should have to put their education or career goals on hold due to financial hardship. That’s why we’re proud to support our Tools of the Trade Program—an initiative that helps Oley Valley High School students attending the Berks Career and Technology Center (BCTC) cover the cost of essential items such as books, uniforms, and tools.
For students pursuing hands-on, career-oriented programs at BCTC, the cost of materials and supplies can add up quickly. These items are critical to their success, and we are committed to ensuring that every Oley Valley student has the opportunity to thrive—regardless of their financial situation.
This year, OVCEF was honored to assist four Oley Valley students through Tools of the Trade grants. These students are working hard in diverse and in-demand programs, including:
- Electrical Occupations
- Health Occupations
- Video and Media Content Production
- Heavy Equipment Technology
Their dedication and drive are inspiring, and we are proud to be a small part of their journey.
If you are a student or a parent/guardian of a student attending BCTC who may need financial support for program-related expenses, please don’t hesitate to reach out. The first step is to contact your guidance counselor, who can work with OVCEF to access available funds and get you the assistance you need.
Let's work together to remove financial barriers and open doors to bright futures for our students! Because when our students succeed, our community thrives.
More OVCEF Blog Posts to catch up on
The Oley Valley Community Education Foundation (OVCEF) is proud to announce this year’s recipients of the Oley Valley Distinguished Alumni Awards — an annual recognition celebrating outstanding Oley Valley graduates who have made significant contributions in their professions and communities while exemplifying the values of leadership, service, and lifelong learning. Each year, OVCEF and the Oley Valley School District come together to honor alumni who continue to make our community proud through their accomplishments and character. These individuals remind us that the Oley Valley spirit extends far beyond graduation — it lives on through those who inspire others, give back, and make a difference in the world around them. This year’s honorees represent the very best of what it means to be part of the Oley Valley family. Jessica (Valdivieso) Arrowsmith, Class of 1995 Heather Christie, Class of 1988 Richard Dunkelberger, Class of 1981 Lynn Eckert, Class of 1975 Sophia Gladieux, Class of 2020 Charles Miller, Class of 1950 We celebrated these remarkable alumni during the Oley Valley Distinguished Alumni Awards Ceremony , held on Friday, October 3, 2025 at the Oley Valley High School , where family, friends, students, faculty and school board members gathered to recognize their achievements and hear their inspiring stories. 🎥 Watch the Ceremony: If you weren’t able to attend — or would like to relive the special evening — you can view the full awards presentation on the Oley Valley School District's YouTube Channel here: 2025 Distinguished Alumni Awards Ceremony OVCEF extends heartfelt congratulations to each of this year’s honorees. Their accomplishments serve as a testament to the strong foundation built here in the Oley Valley — where dedication, compassion, and community spirit pave the way for a lifetime of success and service. To learn more about the Distinguished Alumni Awards or to nominate a deserving graduate for next year’s recognition, visit https://www.oleyvalleycef.com/alumni-awards Together, we celebrate our past, inspire our future, and continue building a tradition of excellence in the Oley Valley.
The Oley Valley Community Education Foundation (OVCEF) is excited to announce a new partnership with the Oley Valley Community Library as the official sponsor of Preschool Storytime, held every Friday at 10:30 a.m. in the library. Led by Ms. Parry, Preschool Storytime has become a beloved program for families with young children. Each month features a special theme, with new stories shared each week to spark imagination and encourage a love of reading. In addition to listening to the story, children enjoy a hands-on craft that ties directly into the week’s book. Crafts may be completed at the library or taken home to extend the fun and learning beyond storytime. Through this partnership, OVCEF is proud to support early literacy and creative learning opportunities for the youngest members of our community. By connecting children and families with engaging educational experiences, we continue our mission of enriching the lives of Oley Valley students and supporting lifelong learning. We encourage families to join in the fun—stop by the Oley Valley Community Library on Fridays and be part of the magic of stories, crafts, and community! Here is the lineup for September:
As the 2025-2026 school year begins, the Oley Valley Community Education Foundation (OVCEF) is proud to announce that we have awarded more than $135,000 in Education Grants to our district for this school year. These grants are made possible through the generosity of our community and the creativity of our dedicated teachers and staff. Investing in Innovation Education Grants go beyond the regular curriculum to bring unique and hands-on learning opportunities into our classrooms. Each project is designed to inspire curiosity, foster creativity, and give students the chance to explore new ideas and skills. From literacy programs that bring families together to science and technology initiatives that allow students to experiment and discover, these grants provide enriching experiences that last well beyond the classroom. Supporting All Levels of Learning OVCEF is committed to supporting students across all grade levels. This year's grants span elementary, middle, and high school projects, ensuring that every student in the Oley Valley has the opportunity to benefit. These initiatives not only enhance day-to-day learning but also help prepare our students for future success - building confidence, critical thinking, and collaboration along the way. Here are the projects being funded this year: Vex Vision Sensors - High School TV Studio Expansion - Middle School Moblie Ag Lab - Elementary School BioMedical Science Labs - High School Auditorium Expansion - Middle School Teachers in the Parks - Elementary School Classroom STEM Kits - Middle School CMOS Systems for Digital Electronics - High School Aquaponics - Elementary School Junior Envirothon - Middle School PLC and Ladder Logic - High School OVMS FFA Club - Middle School School Murals - High School 9/11 Museum & Memorial Trip - Middle School One School, One Book - Elementary School Spanish Dance Lessons - High School Book Vending Machine - Elementary School Cafeteria Sound System Improvement Project - Middle School Novel Study Books - Elementary School Holocaust Museum Trip - High School Book Clubs & Beyond - Middle School Infuse Our Families with Science - Elementary School Pottery Wheel - High School Weight Room Enhancements - Middle School Powered by Community None of this would be possible without the incredible support of our community. Every fundraiser, every donation, and every partnership fuels the mission of OVCEF to enhance opportunities for Oley Valley students. Together, we are making a meaningful impact in education. As we enter this new school year, we look forward to seeing these projects come to life and watching our students grow, create, and achieve. Join us in Making a Difference The work of OVCEF is only possible because of the generosity of our community. Every donation, big or small, directly supports programs and projects that create new opportunities for Oley Valley students. Together, we can continue to spark curiosity, fuel creativity, and open doors to brighter futures. If you'd like to help us expand learning opportunities, please consider making a donation to support our mission HERE .