Learn About
the WEF
Going above and beyond
The Worthington Education Foundation (WEF) was formed on May 4, 1988, by a group of community leaders dedicated to making the educational experience of our children something extraordinary.
Their goal was to make funds available for educational projects that went beyond the basic curriculum and would not otherwise be funded with tax dollars or the school district.
Purpose, vision, mission
The Worthington Education Foundation, a community-wide, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization, exists to provide support for an evolving and forward-looking k-12 education, ensuring our students are well-prepared for the opportunities that lie ahead. Our vision is to help foster an evolving and forward-looking education system that prepares our students for the future and creates a dynamic learning environment that benefits our students, educators, staff and community.
Our mission is to champion future-forward learning within our school district by strategically funding innovative programs, supporting non-traditional learning approaches that benefit our students, and forging ongoing community support for our schools.
Embracing innovation to enrich education.
During our 35-plus year history, the WEF has raised more than $600,000 in contributions and awarded nearly 500 grants to Worthington district teachers and staff. These grants fund exciting and innovative educational projects for our students across all schools, grade levels and subject areas.
We take pride in supporting a diverse range of visionary ideas — from sensory gardens and orchestra master classes to self-confidence programs and job training partnerships.
We want to encourage teachers to dream big and apply for our annual grants to bring to life programs they once thought impossible with traditional funding sources.
There’s nothing more rewarding than witnessing our students’ confidence soar as they step beyond the conventional boundaries of the classroom, learning and applying new skills in innovative ways.
Meet our board of trustees.
The WEF is governed by a Board of Trustees comprised of committed members of our school and business communities. The trustees devote their time, money and creativity to make sure the foundation supports only those grants that advance its core mission. Trustees also raise money from our community to support future grant making.
Forging partnerships to champion innovative education
As a volunteer-driven non-profit, the WEF relies on the strength of our community partnerships to achieve our goals. To fulfill our mission, we need the support of partners who share our vision — partners who can help us strategically fund innovative programs, embrace non-traditional learning approaches, and build lasting community support for our schools.
We are grateful for the strong partnerships we’ve built with our school administrators, teachers, staff, Board of Education, Parent/Teacher Organizations, Worthington Area Chamber of Commerce, Columbus Foundation, local businesses, dedicated community volunteers, and so many more.
Consider joining us and supporting our efforts! We are eager to work with new volunteers, donors, sponsors and educators to bring fresh programs, ideas and energy to help – as our school district says – empower a community of learners who will change the world.
