Kids on Campus (KoC) is one of Ohio University's most recognizable community-university partnerships, providing quality after-school programming to multiple districts within Athens, Meigs, Washington and Perry Counties. We also offer additional opportunities through our highly respected on-campus summer camp. Our programs provide children in the region with access to unique educational and enrichment opportunities that otherwise would not be available to them. It is a testament to the region's needs and the dedication of those involved with Kids on Campus that the program has attracted support for nearly 30 years, even in a competitive funding environment post-COVID. The needs continue to be great, and securing enough funding to address them remains a program priority.
We have expanded our reach in Southeast Ohio in recent years, serving additional children in Meigs and Washington counties. We have multiple 21st Century Community Learning Center grants to support our efforts. Though they provide critical funding for educational and enrichment support, the 21st Century grants do not fund the provision of food. Most of our participants qualify for free or reduced school lunches during the school year but lose access to these meals when school lets out for the summer. Each child attending our after-school program receives a healthy snack. During summer camp we provide daily breakfast and lunch to each child to stand in for those free lunches. We know finding summer enrichment is challenging for families, so we began opening the doors to our summer camp to youth not currently enrolled in 21st Century funded programs. Many are surprised to find that KoC is primarily funded through grants and gifts and is not a line item in Ohio University’s budget. The number of children we can enroll is dependent upon the support of community donors and partners.
KoC is grateful to the College of Health Sciences and Professions and to Dean McCarthy for their unwavering support for our program and its commitment to children in need. In addition to providing a home for KoC offices, the college also houses a dedicated faculty and staff who support our programs. We are thankful for the generosity of donors, who understand that fulfilling the basic needs of children is essential to academic and personal success. I invite you to join us in ensuring that the children of our region, regardless of economic circumstances, are given the greatest opportunity for personal growth and academic success. Your support makes a difference!
Sincerely,
Jo Ellen Sherow
Kids on Campus Program Manager