LORAIN COUNTY — Nearly $1.2 million in grant funding has been awarded to organizations across Lorain County and Northeast Ohio through the Stocker Foundation, supporting literacy and STEAM programs for students from preschool through eighth grade.
The funding will support programs focused on reading, writing, science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, along with out-of-school learning opportunities and family engagement initiatives.
Programs funded through this round of grants include early childhood education, kindergarten readiness, summer learning experiences, after-school tutoring, arts education, mentoring, and career exploration.
Several of the funded initiatives will directly impact Lorain County students and families, with a strong emphasis on early literacy, hands-on STEAM learning, and expanding access to educational resources both inside and outside the classroom.
The Stocker Foundation, established in 1979, focuses its investments on literacy and STEAM-based programs, with a primary emphasis on Lorain County, where the foundation’s funding originated.
Below is a full breakdown of grant recipients, listed from highest to lowest funding amounts:
The Lorain County Urban League received $60,000 to support its “Read and Rise” program, helping families build literacy skills at home.
Lorain City Schools received $50,000 to support a preschool-to-kindergarten early learning partnership with Kent State University.
Save Our Children of Elyria received $50,000 to support its Summer Dream Chasers program focused on literacy, STEAM, and character development.
The Community Foundation of Lorain County received $45,000 to support the Imagination Library program, providing free books to young children.
TECH Corps Ohio received $39,000 to support STEAM programming, including summer camps and after-school clubs.
Daily Dose of Reading received $35,000 to support early childhood literacy and STEAM-focused programming.
Catholic Charities received $32,000 to integrate STEAM education and career exploration into youth mentoring programs.
El Centro received $30,000 to support its “Story Time to Stage” literacy initiative.
Family Connections of Northeast Ohio received $30,000 to support its Kindergarten Readiness Program.
Open Doors Academy received $25,000 to support its summer learning program focused on literacy, math, and STEAM.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lorain County received $20,000 to support a summer STEAM immersion camp.
The National Inventors Hall of Fame received $20,000 to support Camp Invention programming.
Reach Out and Read Ohio received $20,000 to support early literacy programming during pediatric visits.
Reading Is Fundamental received $20,000 to provide free books to students through its “Books for Ownership” program.
Shoes and Clothes for Kids received $20,000 to support book distribution efforts for students.
OberlinKids Community Collaborative received $15,000 to support kindergarten readiness programming.
Rainey Institute received $15,000 to support preschool arts enrichment programming.
West Creek Conservancy received $12,385 to support an experiential learning initiative focused on food systems education.
The EDWINS Foundation received $10,000 to support its Family Resource Center.
Great Lakes Theater Festival received $10,000 to support literacy and writing programs.
Meeting Place Learning Center received $10,000 to support after-school tutoring and STEAM programming.
North Pointe Ballet received $10,000 to support arts education initiatives.
Officials say the goal of the funding is to help students build foundational skills and expand access to educational opportunities that support long-term success.