The Elyria Education Association is proud to share that we have officially submitted two comprehensive grant applications to the Ohio Education Association: the OEA Local Capacity Grant and the OEA Local Development Plan (LDP) Grant for 2025–2026. These applications are a direct reflection of our union’s commitment to improving engagement, communication, and visibility—both within our membership and throughout the community.
Grant 1: Local Capacity Grant – Member Engagement & Communication
If awarded, this grant will provide over $20,000 in funding to support initiatives aimed at boosting member participation and strengthening internal communication. Highlights include:
- Quarterly High-Interest Events (Welcome Back Bash, Trivia Night, Spring Social)
- “New Educator & Emerging Leaders” Program to welcome and mentor new staff
- Annual Member Engagement Survey to ensure every voice is heard
- Incentive Program for participation in union events and committees
- Mini-Grants for building-based member-led initiatives
On the communication front, we aim to:
- Launch a monthly EEA newsletter
- Roll out a text alert system to keep members instantly informed
- Develop a Member Hub on our EEA website
- Conduct biannual feedback surveys to evaluate our effectiveness
Together, these initiatives are designed to increase union participation by 30% and ensure that 90% of our members feel informed and connected by May 2026.
Grant 2: Local Development Plan (LDP) Grant
The LDP grant, submitted in partnership with our LRC, supports a wide range of strategic priorities. If funded, this grant will help us:
- Host our Annual Building Rep Breakfast
- Conduct our New Member Orientation and Opening Day Membership Meeting
- Launch a Bargaining Kickoff Rally and fund shirts for visibility during negotiations
- Support professional development by encouraging attendance at OEA and NEOEA training events
- Increase community visibility through:
- Special Olympics book giveaways
- Genesis House donation drives
- Sponsorship of NHS signs for student inductees
These projects all reflect our goal to be relevant, visible, and effective advocates for educators, students, and public education in Elyria.
✅ What’s Next?
We expect to receive notification from OEA in the coming months. If awarded, these grants will fund transformative programs for the 2025–2026 school year that support our mission: to empower and connect members while strengthening our presence in the schools and community.
If you would like to be involved in the planning of these campaigns or events, please contact President Aguiñaga or Vice President Falk.