The Oley Valley Community Education Foundation (OVCEF) is a non-profit tax-exempt corporation formed in 1996 and administered by an independent board of community volunteers. Designed as a flexible link between the community business, and the Oley Valley School District, the Foundation is a vehicle for channeling private dollars and support into a broad range of programs for our residents as well as the students of the Oley Valley.Oley Valley Community Education Foundation's StoryPastOur mission is “To enhance educational opportunities for students, residents, employees and alumni of the Oley Valley School district while encouraging community support and participation.” The non-profit organization is made up
of volunteers known as “Trustees" and members who so generously donate their time, talents, and/or monetarily.Past accomplishments have been numerous. There have been 11 scholarships awarded, teachers grants, funding of adult computer classes, library donation, student awards, senior award banquet underwriting and underwriting of an Agricultural Education trip. Not to mention the "Foundation Festival" talent show held in the previous years.
A permanent office has been established by the Foundation with the addition of a new Executive Director, Joanne Ewing.. Please email (jewing@ovsdpa.org) or call her anytime with questions, ideas, or concerns.PresentAlumni Association
The Foundation is still working towards its goal of creating an Alumni Association. The committee has favorably evaluated Alumni Research, Inc., which has been used by several local school districts. This company is willing to begin verifying data, and also will be the selling agent for the directories.Once completed, there are exciting possibilities for both students and alumni, as well as potential for social programs and events. Some suggestions included an Alumni tent at the Oley Fair as well as creating a social event at the Oley Fairgrounds banquet hall during the school’s homecoming days.
The agreement to begin this process is for our committee to attain 50% of the reunion class lists between 1961 to 2004. Our initial attempt has been worthy, but under the 50% goal.
We currently have class lists from the following years. If you are the reunion chairperson for your graduating class and do not see your class listed below, please contact our Executive Director to include your class in our project. We look forward to hearing from you in hopes of achieving our goal of creating exciting alumni events.
1962, 1965, 1968, 1969, 1971, 1974, 1977, 1980, 1983, 1984, 1990
Teacher Grants
The Foundation’s Teacher Grant program offers financial support to creative and innovative programs that supplement the regular curriculum. Teachers throughout the District submit their proposals to the Foundation and a group of community members; administrators and Trustees award a total amount of $2500 to one or many projects that further education in the District. This is a great way of providing our students with additional programs not covered in the traditional budget.Scholarship
Every year the foundation awards (2) $2500 scholarships to graduating Oley Valley seniors. While academic achievement is certainly important and financial need is considered, scholarships are awarded to students who are well rounded and active participants in the Oley Valley community.
Future
Artist in Residency
The foundation is very excited to announce the beginning of an artist in residency program in the Oley Valley. The Artist in Residency program will be sponsored by the foundation and the Council of Arts of the State of Pennsylvania. It will provide students with the chance to work one on one with a professional artist.