The University of Olivet is pleased to announce it has awarded eight grants to organizations in the city of Olivet as part of the third Community Investment Grant program. 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 third 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 will help fund new playground equipment, a fine arts opportunity, a STEM opportunity and modern novels. In addition, community ties will be strengthened through the production of an Olivet newsletter and an enhanced community service program, both funded by the grant.
The Olivet FAA will purchase lawn and home care equipment thanks to a grant. “We are so appreciative to The University of Olivet for the generous donations,” said Doug Pennington, Olivet FFA adviser, who leads the community service program. “These programs assist the elderly, the county fair, Olivet Community Schools, the City of Olivet and the citizens of Olivet. This grant will especially allow the Olivet FFA to help more senior citizens in Olivet take care of their leaves. We hope by providing this service we improve the looks of the community and make each home owner happy. The City of Olivet will also be using this equipment for the upkeep of the parks, ball fields and other community properties.”
Also thanks to the grants, the Olivet Lions Club was able to purchase supplies for the annual Community Harvest Dinner, benefiting 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.
In addition, the College has also provided the Olivet Community Commitment Scholarship since 2018, available to eligible employees and dependents of Olivet Community Schools and the city of Olivet with a tuition grant equivalent to 75 percent at the College.
“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.”
Grant-funded initiatives include:
- Purchasing “All American Boys” by Jason Reynolds for Olivet High School students.
- Producing an issue of “The Oakum,” a community newsletter highlighting The University of Olivet and Olivet Community Schools.
- Supplies for the Olivet FFA chapter-led community service cleaning projects, including two leaf blowers, a weed whacker, paint, brushes and more.
- Support for students from Olivet Middle School to participate in extended art experiences, such as visual arts and music courses outside of regular learning hours.
- Resources for the Olivet Lions Club Harvest Dinner, a community dinner fundraiser benefiting the Olivet Good Neighbor Food Pantry.
- Funding for the Olivet Community Schools Fern Persons Elementary Super STEM Saturday event, introducing elementary students to opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
- Assistance in providing food pantry vouchers through the Olivet Good Neighbor Program.
- Updates to the Fern Persons Elementary playground.
To learn more about The University of Olivet, contact the Office of Admissions at 800-456-7189 or admissions@uolivet.edu.