The Worthington Education Foundation presented its annual grant awards at the December 8 Board of Education meeting, distributing $25,041 to 13 projects across 10 Worthington schools. The grants fund creative initiatives ranging from outdoor learning spaces to mental health support tools.
Board member Nikki Hudson, who serves on the WEF board, introduced the presentation. "The spotlight always goes on the work that they fund, and the spotlight should also be on them," Hudson said. "On behalf of the board and on behalf of the entire district, thank you for all of the work that goes into what you're going to share this evening."
Lindsay Roop and Sarah Mullen presented the awards, noting that the WEF was founded in 1988 and operates as a community-wide 501(c)(3) organization. "Our mission is to support future forward learning within our school district by strategically funding innovative programs, backing non-traditional learning approaches that benefit our students, and forging ongoing community support for our schools," they explained. "We like to provide seed money for sustainable ideas."
The 2025 Grant Recipients
McCord Community Building Courtyard — $8,000 (Largest Award)
McCord Middle School received the largest grant for their courtyard transformation project. When middle school expansions occurred in 2021, a 7,000+ square foot courtyard was created at the center of the building. The McCord Community Building Courtyard Committee envisions the space being used for outdoor classes, nature club gardening, and meaningful interactions between daily living skills students and general education students. Planned purchases include shade structures, seeding, indoor-outdoor carpeting, an outdoor whiteboard, movable planters, and sensory items.
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Collaborative Mural at Worthingway Middle School — $5,500
One hundred fifty students will be involved in planning and creating a collaborative mural in partnership with a local artist. Students will participate in every phase—from brainstorming ideas to assisting with installation. The mural will expand on the theme of what it means to be part of a community and will be viewable by all visitors for years to come.
Colonial Challenge Course at Colonial Hills Elementary — $2,532
This grant will purchase Jacob's ladders and rope swings for the Colonial Challenge adventure education program. The equipment will be used during month-long units designed to push students to test their limits, think critically under pressure, and celebrate success.
Model United Nations at Worthington Kilbourne High School — $2,000
The Model UN club received seed money to participate in the Ohio State Model United Nations Conference. Students will research and represent different countries while engaging in discussions, forming alliances, and drafting resolutions alongside hundreds of high school students from across Ohio.
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Wonder Books at Wilson Hill Elementary — $2,000
Wonder Books feature read-along audio narration for an interactive reading experience. This funding will expand Wilson Hill's Wonder Book library to include books for all grade levels with more representation of the school population.
SMART Lab at Worthington Kilbourne High School — $1,000
The Counseling and Mental Health Department will create a Stress Management and Resilience Training (SMART) Lab—a dedicated calming space where students can de-stress, regulate emotions, and practice resiliency. Equipment will include a walking pad, weighted balls, balance board, shaking sticks, weighted stuffed animals, and yoga mats.
The Excel Room at Slate Hill Elementary — $861
This grant funds a space designed to support students' emotional regulation, focus, and readiness to learn. The room will feature three defined zones: a calm zone, a reflection zone, and a focus zone.
Creative Cardboard Cutters at Worthington Park Elementary — $660
Funding will purchase two kid-friendly cardboard cutting machines and two teacher hand cutters that can be shared among elementary buildings. Young students will use them to create recycled cardboard structures and sculptures.
Deep Pressure Integration Station at Bluffsview Elementary — $638
The grant adds a steam roller sensory tool to Bluffsview's sensory space. This evidence-based intervention provides structured deep pressure input, which research shows has a calming and organizing effect on the nervous system.
Fifth Grade Architecture at Worthington Park Elementary — $550
Fifth grade students will take on the role of architects, working together to design multi-level, multi-dimensional birdhouses that connect to their CKLA curriculum. The functional birdhouses will be maintained by students and housed outside the school.
Sensory Path at Slate Hill Elementary — $500
This grant funds interactive floor and wall decals that provide movement breaks, coordination practice, and help students reset during transitions.
Playaway Audiobooks at Granby Elementary — $500
Granby Library currently has about 20 Playaway audiobooks with a very long waitlist. This grant expands the collection of pocket-sized MP3 audiobooks that support CKLA learning.
Cardinal Crew at Thomas Worthington High School — $200
Cardinal Crew is an inclusive peer group program designed to foster friendships between students with and without special needs. The monthly meetings include activities such as "find someone who" bingo, making gratitude turkeys, and relay races.
Looking Ahead
The WEF received 21 grant applications from 13 different schools this year. For those interested in learning more about the foundation or applying for future grants, visit thewef.org.
The foundation's annual gala, its main fundraiser, is scheduled for February 6, 2026 at Brookside Golf & Country Club. Visit the foundation's website for more details.