Rivers to Classrooms
Education Access Fund

Over the years, the Ohio River Foundation (ORF) has remained steadfast in its mission to make education programs accessible to all K-12 students. To extend our reach to underserved communities, we’ve established the Rivers to Classrooms Education Access Fund. This initiative serves more than 9,000 students with more than 40,000 hours of instruction annually and is crucial in advancing regional education goals as our programs continue to grow.

Our STEM programs address financial and logistical barriers faced by schools, ensuring equitable access for all students. Through our flagship initiatives, River Explorer (RE) and Mussels in the Classroom (MIC), ORF is uniquely positioned to enhance academic interest and environmental stewardship, inspiring careers in STEM fields. So far, more than 70,000 students have participated in ORF’s education programs.

Thanks to a generous $25,000 seed grant from the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, this fund officially launched in December 2024. Beginning in the 2025-26 school year, it will provide financial assistance to underserved schools, enabling students to experience the benefits of our innovative programs.

The Rivers to Classrooms Education Access Fund is a vital step toward leveling the playing field and ensuring every student has access to ORF’s impactful STEM enrichment opportunities.

Our 2025 fundraising goal is $117,000, and we need your support to make this vision a reality. Please donate today to empower the next generation of students and environmental leaders.

The Rivers to Classroom Education Access Fund in Action: 

   To learn more about Ohio River Foundation education program, please visit: https://ohioriverfdn.org/what-we-do/education programs/

THE IMPACT

Your Donation Makes a Big Impact

  • $25 can provide food for the freshwater mussel “ambassadors” we use in our Mussels in the Classroom program.
  • $100 can buy water quality equipment to enable us to identify pollution problems.
  • $500 can help 50 students be River Explorers for a day of learning in a river or creek.
  • $1,000 can plant 100 native trees to restore critical habitat and help keep our water clean.