Supporting local youth does not fall solely on parents and guardians. Teachers, peers, club mentors, and other community members all see the value of investing in young people to help them grow into confident and capable adults. Students' needs are diverse, and fortunately, Otsego County schools offer a variety of educational opportunities and ways for students to get involved. The Otsego Community Foundation learns about some of these efforts through grant applications, but many are never highlighted in that way. In September, OCF called on the community to share the student-based organizations they care about and invited the community to vote on which five organizations would receive a $1,000 grant. We appreciate the passion behind these nominations and are excited to share a little about the grant recipients below, based on the nominators' responses.
Gaylord Band Boosters – Gaylord Community Schools band program provides a welcoming environment for students to express themselves creatively, build strong relationships with their bandmates and instructors, and valuable life lessons to carry with them into the future. With over 100 students involved, this program meets students where they are and takes them on the music journey.
Gaylord St. Mary Parent Ambassadors – This wonderful group of dedicated parents take time out of their busy schedules to support the students and staff at St. Mary’s. They are fully funded by donations. This grant provides the opportunity to continue to support the students and staff at St. Mary’s that they truly deserve and would continue to increase the sense of community and parent involvement.
Johannesburg-Lewiston Area Schools Mrs. Q’s Art Class – This class changes lives one art project and class at a time, creating a place where people find confidence, connection, creativity, and a sense of belonging that reaches far beyond the art itself.
United Way Project Connect backpacks – Project Connect is an AMAZING program that helps students get ready for the new school year with school supplies, haircuts, food, and more!
Gaylord Intermediate School PTO – GIS PTO went away with COVID, so it has been about 6 years without a parent organization. A need has been identified for both teachers and students to have a better experience during their time at school that the PTO is working on providing. They are working hard to bring teachers, staff, parents, and students together again.
Other ways OCF supports students
OCF also receives grant applications for student programming. Below are projects that were funded during the 2025 Community Grant Program and 2026 Adapt Grants cycles.
Johannesburg-Lewiston Area Schools ~ Salmon in the Classroom
COPESD ~ STEM Career Exploration Summer Camps
Gaylord Community Schools ~ Foundations for Success: Nourishment, Comfort, and Sensory Development for K-3
Pigeon River Country Discovery Center ~ Sustaining Nature Education
PoWeR! Book Bags ~ Little Learners at the Otsego Health Department
Michigan Arts Access ~ Gaylord Special Education Artist-in-Residence Program
Junior Achievement of Northern Michigan ~ Strengthening Otsego Youths’ Pathways to Success
North Ohio Elementary PTO ~ Sustaining Birthday Book Vending
Gaylord Middle School Robotics ~ Competition Field
Otsego County Food Pantry ~ Weekend Food Program for Students
RISE: Otsego Substance Free Coalition ~ Together We RISE: Partnering with Parents for Youth Success
Kirtland Community College Foundation ~ Student Emergency Fund – Food bags and gas cards
Tip of the Mitt Junior Golf Association ~ Expanding Golf in Schools
Gaylord St. Mary Cathedral School ~ Projector devices
Johannesburg-Lewiston Area Schools ~ Alpaca – Supporting staff to increase retention, enjoyment, and ultimately improve student outcomes
Johannesburg-Lewiston Area Schools ~ Literacy for All
Vanderbilt Area Schools ~ Pigeon River Outdoor Education & Community Engagement Program
