The University of Olivet is pleased to announce it has awarded 12 grants to organizations in the city of Olivet, totaling $14,984. In it’s second year, the Community Investment Grant program is aimed at strengthening the local Olivet community.
Grants benefited organizations in a variety of ways, contributing to student success, community connections, families in need, local events and more that demonstrate a commitment to the Olivet community and its future leaders, educators and trailblazers.
“As part of The University of Olivet’s ongoing commitment to the Olivet community, we are pleased to have the opportunity and capacity to provide financial support to key initiatives and needs within the greater Olivet community,” said Steven M. Corey, Ph.D., president of The University of Olivet. “We are proud to continue this initiative for a second year, and it has been a tremendous success. I am thrilled at the quality of proposals submitted by the many nonprofit and civic organizations that enrich our community. It is an honor to support the selected organizations in the important work they do for the benefit of the citizens of Olivet.”
In Olivet Community Schools, grants helped fund the purchase of Learning Ally, a reading assistance tool; musical instruments; a fine arts opportunity; Spanish novels and other basic support items. Further, local students will be able to attend a leadership conference, take advantage of a new swim program and enjoy Greg Tang Jr. at the 11th Annual Math Night.
“I’m so thankful for the The University of Olivet Community Investment Grant program as it is allowing me to take a group of kids from our student leadership program, Link Crew, to an awesome conference. Students will have an opportunity to grow their leadership skills outside of our community and to meet other Link Crew leaders in Michigan,” said Whitney Fiebiger, Olivet High School Spanish instructor, Student Council adviser and Link Crew co-adviser. “Thanks to the program, I’ll also be able to buy a class set of Spanish novels. This will allow students to be immersed in the culture and language much more than what is currently possible.”
Also thanks to the grants, the Olivet Lions Club was able to purchase chicken for the annual Community Harvest Dinner, befitting the Olivet Good Neighbor Program, and the Good Neighbor Program was able to purchase food and personal care items to assist low-income community families. Finally, grants will strengthen ties in the community through a community newsletter and spirit flags displayed on Main Street representing both The University of Olivet and Olivet Community Schools.
In addition, the college established the Olivet Community Commitment Scholarship in 2018, which provides all eligible employees and dependents of Olivet Community Schools and the city of Olivet with a tuition grant equivalent to 75 percent at the college, for up to eight semesters of full-time undergraduate enrollment.
“The University of Olivet believes that a strong, vibrant and thriving school system, city and college are the foundation for a strong, vibrant and thriving community,” said Corey. “Through direct investment in our school system and city, The University of Olivet sees this as another way to strengthen not only our city and schools but also the greater community of Olivet.”
The following organizations were the recipients of The University of Olivet’s second Community Investment Grant:
Olivet Community Chamber of Commerce
$1,500 to purchase flags, hardware and poles to spread awareness for both Olivet Community Schools and The University of Olivet.
Olivet Good Neighbor Program
$1,500 to subsidize costs of food and personal care items for low-income families in
the Olivet community.
Olivet Lions Club
$1,100 to purchase chicken for the Community Harvest Dinner, an event that benefits the Olivet Good Neighbor Program.
Olivet Community Schools
$1,600 to use toward the publication of the Oakum, an Olivet community-based newsletter.
Olivet Community Schools, Fern Persons Elementary
$1,500 to purchase Learning Ally, a tool to motivate and encourage struggling
readers.
Olivet Community Schools, Fern Persons Elementary
$2,784 to purchase musical instruments for kindergarten through 3rd grade.
Olivet Community Schools, Fern Persons Elementary
$2,000 to host Greg Tang Jr., interactive and fun math specialist, for the 11th Annual Math Night.
Olivet Community Schools, Olivet Middle School
$1,000 toward a swim unit in partnership with The University of Olivet head swimming and diving coach Rob Brownell for all students in the 4th and 5th grades.
Olivet Community Schools, Olivet Middle School
$1,000 to fund an extended fine arts opportunity, allowing students access to additional performing and visual arts courses.
Olivet Community Schools, Olivet High School
$150 to purchase 20 all-Spanish novels for use in a Spanish class.
Olivet Community Schools, Olivet High School
$300 to cover expenses related to helping 20 student leaders attend the leadership conference Link Crew.
Olivet Community Schools, Olivet High School
$550 to provide basic supplies for students who need extra academic support.
Watch for the details coming this spring on how to submit a proposal for a 2019 Community Investment Grant.
To learn more about the Olivet Community Commitment Scholarship, contact the Office of Admissions at 800.456.7189 or admissions@uolivet.edu.