Barberton Community Foundation

06/06/2026

Beauty shows up in a lot of ways in Barberton. Sometimes it looks like a person fully stepping into who they're becoming.

Somewhere in this community, there's an adult 35 or younger who is already making their mark.

Maybe they're leading something. Building something. Showing up in ways that make people take notice.

You know who they are.

Nominate them for the Blooming Impact Award.

To qualify, your nominee must:
✅ Be between the ages of 18 and 35
✅ Demonstrate initiative, resolve, and momentum
✅ Be making a meaningful impact in or for Barberton
✅ Residency not required

📅 Nominations close June 30

👉https://barbertoncf.org/game-changers-nominations

Who came to mind? Tell us about them in the comments. ⬇️

06/05/2026

Polymers are all around us—and Barberton students can explore polymer science right here in our community through the Polymer Pathway at Barberton High School!

Events like Polymer Palooza help introduce young people to STEM concepts at an early age and spark curiosity about future educational and career opportunities.

Families looking for a fun, free activity this weekend should check it out!

06/05/2026

We believe in Barberton.

We believe in its people, its businesses, and the potential of its downtown.

Earlier this year, Barberton Community Foundation's Board of Directors approved a five-year, $200,000 investment in Main Street Barberton through the Foundation's Community Development and Downtown Revitalization grant cycle.

The first $50,000 installment was presented by Executive Director Josh Gordon to Main Street Barberton Executive Director Melanie Black.

Downtown revitalization happens when community partners share a vision and commit to the long-term work of creating places where people want to live, work, visit, and invest.

Main Street Barberton is helping lead that effort, and we are proud to support its work.

We are also proud to partner with the City of Barberton Planning Department, who will match our funding for the next 3 years.

06/04/2026

Please join us in welcoming Ava Hart to our team at Barberton Community Foundation as our summer Communications Intern!

Ava is a Barberton native, a proud 2024 Barberton High School alum, and a Barberton Community Foundation Scholarship recipient. She is a rising Junior at The Ohio State University studying marketing, with a minor in public policy.

Fun Fact: Ava is actually the first formal college summer intern in the Foundation’s 30-year history! This summer, she will be working closely with Kim Graves, our Director of Communications, on social media, marketing, and events all summer long.

We are so excited to have her back home making an impact this summer!

06/03/2026

Our team looks forward to volunteering as Lucky Listeners, and it has become one of the highlights of our week.

Spending time with students, encouraging a love of reading, and building connections is a simple way to make a meaningful impact.

If you’ve ever considered volunteering, we encourage you to learn more about Lucky Listener. A small investment of your time can make a big difference in a child’s day. 📚❤️

Help our Magics reach their reading goals! We are committed to the Success For ALL program, but we need your help to make it a reality for every student. Our students are asked to read to someone for 20 minutes a night, yet many of them don't have the opportunity to do this at home.

We are seeking volunteers for our Lucky Listener program at the Primary and Intermediate schools to bridge that gap. As a Lucky Listener, you will provide the support and encouragement our students need to gain confidence in their reading during the school day. This is a wonderful opportunity to make a direct impact on a child's education and support our mission of literacy for all.

Become a Lucky Listener by contacting the schools or emailing the principals directly!

Barberton Primary School - 330-825-2183
Sheila McGhee - [email protected]

Barberton Intermediate School - 330-745-5492
Brittany Kefalos - [email protected]

06/02/2026

Thank you, Early Childhood Resource Center, for creating such a valuable learning opportunity for early childhood educators across our region.

Barberton Community Foundation was proud to support the Read, Play, Grow Conference and invest in professional development opportunities that strengthen early learning. We were especially excited to see several members of our Barberton Preschool Collaborative attend and benefit from the conference, including educators from Barberton KinderCare Learning Center, Johnson's Corners Child Development Center, and Crowned Crayons Academy.

When early learning providers have opportunities to learn, collaborate, and grow together, children benefit. Thank you for helping build stronger foundations for our youngest learners.

Our Read, Play, Grow conference on May 30 would not have been possible without the support of our wonderful community partners.

Thank you to event sponsors: Greater Akron’s Unified Learning System, Kaplan Early Learning Company, Barberton Community Foundation, and Summit County Public Health.

We also greatly appreciate the in-kind donors for donating to the raffle baskets: Akron-Summit County Library, Becker’s, Discount School Supply, Heart to Heart, House Three Thirty, Lakeshore Learning, Mary’s Little Lambs Child Care & Preschool, Ohio AEYC, Potential Development, Scholastic, and Summit Education Initiative.

Finally, kudos to the vendors who joined us to share information about the important work they do in the community: Belmont Pines Hospital, Child Guidance & Family Solutions, Help Me Grow, Kaplan, OCALI, OCCRRA, Sprout Early Learning Backpacks, Summit County Department of Disabilities, Summit County Job & Family Services, and Summit County Public Health.

06/02/2026

🌮🐉 This spring, Barberton first-grade students enjoyed a performance of Dragons Love Tacos presented by Magical Theatre Company.

Barberton Community Foundation helped make the experience possible as part of our commitment to creating enriching educational opportunities for Barberton students.

Recently, Mrs. Schell and her students surprised us with thank-you letters and artwork inspired by the performance. Their creativity, kindness, and gratitude brightened our day.

Thank you, Mrs. Schell and students, for sharing your thoughtful notes and drawings with us. We are grateful for the opportunity to support experiences that spark imagination, encourage a love of learning, and create lasting memories.

And if the performance left anyone craving tacos, we completely understand. 🌮😊

06/02/2026

Are you a Barberton resident pursuing a nursing degree? Don't miss this scholarship opportunity.

The Tuscora Park Health & Wellness Foundation Nursing Scholarship provides support for students attending accredited nursing programs, but the application deadline is June 8. Learn more and apply today. https://barbertoncf.org/tuscora-park

⏰ One Week Left to Apply! ⏰

Barberton residents pursuing a nursing degree have just one week remaining to apply for the Tuscora Park Health & Wellness Foundation Nursing Scholarship.

Scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 are available to help students attending an accredited nursing program take the next step toward a rewarding healthcare career.

Whether you're preparing to begin nursing school or continuing your education, this scholarship can help reduce financial barriers and keep you focused on your future.

📅 Application Deadline: June 8, 2026

Nursing professionals play a critical role in the health and well-being of our communities. If you're pursuing a nursing career, don't miss this opportunity to invest in your future.

Apply today before the deadline passes.

🔗https://barbertoncf.org/tuscora-park

06/02/2026

We’re hiring for a role that will help shape what’s possible for Barberton students and families.

Barberton Community Foundation is seeking a Program Officer for Education to help lead work across early childhood, education, and career pathways.

This role sits at the intersection of relationships, strategy, and community impact. It’s for someone who understands how systems connect, values partnership, and is energized by building long-term change that creates opportunity.

From kindergarten readiness to career pathways, this work supports the continuum that helps young people and families thrive in Barberton.

If that sounds like you, or someone you know, we encourage you to apply or share.

View the full job description and apply: https://bit.ly/3RCwPXq