Sponsor Spotlight: Community Foundation of Lorain County
Since 1980, the Community Foundation of Lorain County has been on a mission to “connect people who care to causes that matter.” One of the many ways in which the foundation fulfills this mission is by partnering with the National Inventors Hall of Fame®.
Supporting Camp Invention in Elyria City Schools
For more than 15 years, the Community Foundation of Lorain County has helped bring Camp Invention® to underserved students in various Lorain County districts in Ohio, thanks to the foundation’s generous supporters and donor advised funds. The flagship STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) program from the National Inventors Hall of Fame, Camp Invention is a creative, collaborative, hands-on K-6 summer camp that guides children to strengthen their STEM skills and develop the innovative mindset they need to navigate their lives and reach their potential.
The foundation’s support directly benefits more than 200 students in grades K-6 at the Elyria City School District in Lorain County. It also provides an in-person professional development workshop for 30 Lorain County teachers.
“We value diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, and believe that the skills and concepts taught in Camp Invention, such as design thinking, innovative mindset, creative problem solving, persistence, STEM and entrepreneurship, are essential for all students,” said Brittany Lovett, marketing and communications officer.
The foundation also appreciates that Camp Invention not only helps K-6 students to become confident, creative problem solvers, but it also offers leadership opportunities to older students through both the Leaders-in-Training program for students in grades 7-9 and the Leadership Intern program for high school and college students.
“The director of professional development at Elyria City Schools has been the Camp Invention champion for the past eight years,” said Lovett. “The Community Foundation of Lorain County is thrilled to support this strong partnership between the school district and a highly innovative STEM curriculum provider.
Providing Diverse, Inspiring Opportunities
Celebrating more than 40 years of serving the communities of Lorain County, the foundation “was created from the generosity of thousands of Lorain County residents who share a desire for a strong and vibrant community.”
The Community Foundation of Lorain County’s donors make it possible to provide grants for “academic, social-emotional and holistic interventions that benefit young individuals in Lorain County.” In addition to providing children with access to hands-on science learning at local Camp Invention programs, it reaches area youth through a variety of unique and inspiring initiatives.
For example, Lovett explains that the Toni Morrison Essay Contest for Young People “introduces the next generation of leaders to our hometown hero and literary giant, Toni Morrison,” encouraging them to explore and celebrate Morrison's legacy, and her contributions to literature and society.
The Community Foundation of Lorain County’s Youth Fund introduces students in grades 8-12 at all 14 public school districts in Lorain County to philanthropy, empowering them to identify community needs and award grants to local nonprofits that address those needs. Additionally, the foundation offers scholarships to those pursuing higher education or trade school with the goal of supporting students’ academic ambitions and helping to build a highly skilled community workforce.
Learn More About the Community Foundation of Lorain County
The National Inventors Hall of Fame is grateful for the enduring and meaningful partnership and support of the Community Foundation of Lorain County. To learn more about the foundation, its initiatives and its impact, we encourage you to visit peoplewhocare.org.