Olney Education Foundation

“In this time of ‘information overload’, people do not need more information. They want a story they can relate to.”
– Maarten Schäfer

Chapter 1

ONCE UPON A TIME, a group of volunteers met to discuss the potential need for an education foundation in Olney, Texas. Excitement built as proposals and possibilities were explored. With a generous donation from BP Energy and the support of the Olney ISD, the Olney Education Foundation soon became a reality and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization under the Texas Business Organization’s Code of the Wichita Falls Area Community Foundation.

The Foundation’s first fundraising letter to alumni and friends was mailed in December 2014, and the old Olney Elementary School slide became the symbolic image of that letter. Why? Because most students who ever attended schools in the Olney Independent School District have gone down that BIG slide. Some reached the very top and needed a gentle push to begin their fast descent. Others cried when they landed, but all they really needed was another chance to prove they could succeed.

Just as the slide represents a hurdle for some students, many circumstances beyond their control present obstacles for others. The Foundation wants every student to be able to slide successfully from elementary to junior high, from junior high to high school, and from high school to post-secondary education. By offering educational programs not funded by the school district, financial aid and a new mentoring program, the Foundation is able to give students an extra push when they need one and offer encouragement to overcome any obstacle. Furthermore, support does not end after high school graduation because there are BIG slides to master during the college years, too!

Although the Foundation is still writing its first chapters, there are already celebratory pages about students receiving scholarships, ACT testing, college/vocational application assistance, aid with dual credit classes, and even help with college move-in expenses. The Foundation would love for YOU to be part of our story! You can help write the happily-ever-after chapter for so many deserving students who just need a chance to succeed. Please make your tax- deductible donation today because our kids really are our FOUNDATION!

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