OTHS Educational FoundationOttawa Township High School · District 140 Donate

About the Foundation

Educators are innovators.

Ottawa Township High School

The OTHS Educational Foundation is made up of local community volunteers, independent of but working with the OTHS board to improve opportunities for students.

Established in 1993, the Ottawa Township High School District 140 Educational Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit private foundation that secures and channels private funds to support and promote the educational programs and activities of OTHS students.

Through generous donations, the Foundation provides grants to purchase new equipment, promote innovative teaching initiatives, offer scholarships and student recognition incentives, and augment scholastic resources beyond the fiscal constraints of the school’s normal operations. The Foundation has provided more than $500,000 in such grants and other support since its inception, with more than $350,000 provided since 2012.

In addition to ensuring our students are exposed to the most relevant and ever-changing technology and other educational resources, the Foundation is responsible for the Courtyard Project outside Kingman Gymnasium, the Hall of Fame, the Pirate Pride Scholarship program, club and activity grants, and Student of the Month, among a number of other initiatives. Our hope is that, through additional contributions and growth, the Foundation can continue making an impact on OTHS and the district’s students.

Community members also fund endowments and Pirate Pride scholarships through the Foundation. Guidelines govern how each gift is received and used, and the treasurer will talk through the details with you personally.

Why a foundation

Why a public school needs private support

One might ask why a public entity such as Ottawa Township High School needs assistance from a private foundation independent of the high school itself. The fact is that Illinois ranks relatively low among states in direct funding for its schools. Yet, most of the more than two million students who currently attend Illinois public schools will stay to live and work in Illinois throughout their adult lives. This demographic reality will affect the economic vitality, future growth and development, and quality of life we all share.

We believe that supporting educational excellence not only enriches the lives of today’s students but also strengthens our communities and our collective future.

Why a Hall of Fame

A standard of excellence to inspire

The Foundation established the Hall of Fame to inspire and acknowledge excellence in achievement, whether academic, in the fine arts, in athletics, or in other distinguished areas. In highlighting the accomplishments of inductees, we believe that current students will be inspired by the standard of excellence and accomplishment achieved by their predecessors. This will help foster a culture of excellence and achievement.

Meet the inductees →

From the superintendent

“Since its inception in 1993, all members of the Ottawa Township High School District #140 school community have greatly benefitted.”

Dr. Michael Cushing, Superintendent

Board of Directors

Our all-volunteer board meets monthly.

Contact us

The OTHS Educational Foundation
Ottawa Township High School
211 East Main Street
Ottawa, IL 61350

Email: othseducation@gmail.com

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