Annually in August, teachers have the opportunity to apply for teacher mini grants up to $250, a program run by the Foundation’s Youth Advisory Council (YAC). In 2022, the program provided 38 grants, nearly $13,000, to seven schools in Oceana County – nearly doubling the number of grants from 2021. In addition to support from the Oceana Youth Fund, the program significantly grew thanks to partnerships with several donor advised funds of the Foundation including Mrs. Mullen’s Closet, Little Point Sable Arts for Oceana, Ralph’s Kids, Nobles Family Medical Reserve Corps and the Mary Ann Peterson “Grandma Pete” Memorial Fund(s).

These awards fund special project materials, curriculum expansion, equipment needs, special training, skill development, and enrichment activities. “Student choice is a powerful motivator. Honoring student voices in selecting new classroom library titles was an exciting and powerful experience,” shared a Hart Public Schools teacher who received funding to buy new books. Examples of 2022 awards include alternative flexible seating for students, new graphing calculators, translation assistant programs, microscopes, and even CPR training! The Teacher Mini-Grant program is a great way to thank our educators for their tremendous impact in Oceana County.