Elyria, Ohio, — The Stocker Foundation today announced approval of grant awards totaling nearly $1.2 million dollars benefiting eight communities across the United States. Grant awards emphasize the development of foundational reading and writing skills, STEAM engagement, and out‑of‑school‑time enrichment for children and youth, PreK through grade eight. For more information about The Stocker Foundation, its funding priorities, and upcoming grant application deadlines, visit www.stockerfoundation.org. Grant awards supporting Northeast Ohio Include:
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lorain County ($20,000) In support of the 2026 summer STEAM Immersion Camp, strengthening one-to-one mentoring relationships with group mentoring, supportive programming, and family engagement.
Catholic Charities ($32,000) Toward the integration of STEAM education and career exploration within the existing middle school youth mentoring program, offered in partnership with TECH Corps and Lorain, Midview, Columbia Station, Avon, and Avon Lake school districts
Community Foundation of Lorain County ($45,000) Toward monthly book fees and program administration of Lorain County Imagination Library, an early literacy initiative that mails free, high-quality, age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five through Lorain County
Daily Dose of Reading ($35,000) In support of Girls of Tomorrow: Girls who Lead, Read, and Innovate, an early childhood program designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and introduce STEAM related careers to K-2 girls, preparing future generations of learners
EDWINS Foundation ($10,000) Toward EDWINS Family Resource Center, providing free and reduced cost early childhood education, daycare and family resources
El Centro ($30,000) In support of 2026 summer programming, Story Time to Stage -- Bringing Literacy to Life, a multi-phased initiative designed to strengthen reading skills and boost student confidence through a culminating in a live stage performance offered in partnership with MAD Factory
Family Connections of Northeast Ohio ($30,000) Toward Family Connections Kindergarten Readiness Program, strengthening families by supporting early learning, parent engagement, and school readiness (playroom visits, home visits, and community outreach)
Great Lakes Theater Festival ($10,000) Toward the implementation of two cornerstone initiatives - the School Residency Program, blending literacy, communication, collaboration, and problem-solving; and “A Christmas Carol” Writing Contest, integrating reading, creative writing, and live theater through project-based practices central to STEAM education
Lorain City Schools ($50,000) In support of Preschool to Kindergarten: Building Continuity in Early Learning, a multi-year partnership with Kent State University’s Child Development Center to expand Reggio-Emillia-inspired teaching and learning into kindergarten classrooms
Lorain County Urban League ($60,000) Toward the continuation of Read and Rise program, equipping families with hands-on strategies for building literacy at home
Meeting Place Learning Center (10,000) Toward out-of-school time programming during 2026-2027, providing daily homework assistance, reading tutoring, and various STEAM clubs that rotate monthly (visual art, cooking, and music), strengthening core academic skills
National Inventors Hall of Fame ($20,000) In support of Camp Invention, STEAM enrichment programming during summer 2026
North Pointe Ballet ($10,000) Toward arts education initiatives in Northeast Ohio, including Workshop Performances (school assemblies) and Field Trip Performances - both designed to expand access to live dance experiences for students who may not otherwise encounter the performing arts
OberlinKids Community Collaborative ($15,000) Toward OberlinKids Kindergarten Readiness program, including literacy kits, preschool scholarships, and family engagement activities
Open Doors Academy ($25,000) Toward ODA’s annual summer camp held during June and July, providing differentiated learning opportunities for students in K-8 (focus on reading literacy, math, and STEAM, social-emotional learning, visual and performing arts, and health & wellness)
Rainey Institute ($15,000) Toward 2026-2027 Preschool Arts Enrichment programming, providing visual and performing arts classes, utilizing an inquiry-based instructional approach
Reach Out and Read Ohio ($20,000) In support of early literacy education for children and families throughout Lorain County (programming delivered during well-child doctor visits)
Reading Is Fundamental ($20,000) Toward Books for Ownership, a program that increases reading motivation, enjoyment, and confidence by providing free, high-quality books that students select themselves and keep (offered in partnership with Lorain City Schools)
Save Our Children of Elyria ($50,000) In support of 2026 Summer Dream Chasers, an eight-week summer learning experience focused on literacy, STEAM, and character development
Shoes and Clothes for Kids ($20,000) Toward 2026 Fall in Love with Books Giveaway, supporting the procurement and distribution of diverse, high-quality books and classroom sets for prekindergarten through grade eight students
TECH Corps Ohio ($39,000) Toward Education, Exciting, and Empowering Students with the “T” in STEAM for students in grades 3-8 that includes Techie Summer Camp and Techie Club afterschool programming
West Creek Conservancy ($12,385) In support of Understanding Our Community Food Systems, an experiential learning initiative offered in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lorain County and Save Our Children
About The Stocker Foundation
The Stocker Foundation was established in 1979 by Beth K. Stocker. Since that time, the Foundation has awarded more than $80 million to nonprofit organizations across the United States. The Stocker Foundation focuses its investments in eight communities nationwide, with primary emphasis on Lorain County, Ohio, the place where the money was earned. Funding also supports communities where family member trustees reside: Cuyahoga County, Ohio; Pima County, Arizona; King and San Juan counties, Washington; Alameda and San Francisco counties, California; and Hartford County, Connecticut. The Foundation's mission is to invest in literacy and STEAM-focused programming for students to become creative, contributing members of their communities, guided by a vision for a world where equitable access to quality education creates strong communities and curious, lifelong learners.
Contact: Patricia O’Brien, Executive Director
pobrien@stockerfoundation.org
440.366.4885