Learning Links gives teachers and other educators at local schools the opportunity to apply for classroom or school-wide small projects they lack the necessary financial resources to implement.  Grants are awarded up to $1,000 each.  In 2017, 138 Learning Links small grants were awarded for a wide variety of school projects that impacted over 25,000 students. 

Summertime Kids provides small grants of up to $1000 each to local nonprofits that offer summer programs for children and youth.  Funded programs provide enriching and fun experiences for the children and combine learning components and safe environments.  In 2017, there were 120 Summertime Kids grants awarded that benefited over 12,000 “kids.”  Activities included field trips, summer reading/writing projects, the arts, gardening instruction and other learning opportunities.

The two programs began in 1993 and the Dater Foundation provided support every year.  With this year’s grant, Dater funding passes the $2 million plateau.

Grants made in February:

Breakthrough Cincinnati, $50,000.   A six-week summer academic program in which 200 select inner-city middle school students are taught by high school and college students interested in pursuing careers in education. The year-round program features intensive one-on-one attention.  There is no charge to students accepted into the program.  

Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation, $50,000 (Dater High School seniors).  College scholarships for graduating seniors at Gilbert A. Dater High School in Western Hills. This grant continues annual support that began in 1996 with scholarships to graduating seniors who had attended Dater Junior High and shifted with support to Dater High School with its first graduating class in 2004.  Scholarship awards over the years total more than $1,100,000.

Greater Cincinnati Foundation (Learning Links and Summertime Kids), $250,000.  The Learning Links program funds small grants to teachers and other educators allowing them to provide creative programs or special events for more than 30,000 area students.  Summertime Kids is administered through a volunteer committee and enables local nonprofit organizations to provide summer activities such as field trips, day camps, gardening, arts and crafts for deserving young people.

Historic Southwest Ohio, $20,000.  Education programs and outreach focusing on history and life in the 19th century for 5,000-plus young people in kindergarten through high school.

 

Kenton County Public Library Foundation, $20,000.  Dream Big with Circus Mojo! Is an educational and motivational adventure explore their big dreams and see and be involved in live circus activities like juggling and tightrope walking.  The program will reach more than 3,000 elementary students in schools and at libraries.

Price Hill Will/MYCincinnati, $25,000.    The MYCincinnati program uses music to promote social change and youth development in Price Hill through a free, daily orchestra program for over 90 students during the school year.  A free four-week summer camp program serves about 80 young people and culminates with participation in a two-day Price Hill Creative Community Festival. 

Xavier University, $25,000.  The summer service internship program fosters young people’s commitment to community service by placing 20 college students in full-time, eight-week internships at non-profit organizations, and hundreds of community members benefit from the work they do.