Oldenburg Academy Receives VISION Fund Grants

The Academy was awarded a $2,000 grant to launch a Green Chemistry project.

(Oldenburg, IN) — Oldenburg Academy is proud to announce it has received generous support from the Joan and John Hillenbrand VISION Fund to advance two exciting initiatives that enrich student learning and creativity.

The Academy was awarded a $2,000 grant to launch a Green Chemistry project, led by science teacher Jenny Schneider. This initiative will give students safer, more sustainable laboratory experiences while deepening their understanding of responsible science. The project reflects OA’s Franciscan guiding principle for the year, Care for Creation, by encouraging students to practice sustainability and environmental stewardship in the lab.

“Green Chemistry is an educational approach that makes labs more relevant and engaging for students by connecting class concepts to real-world issues using everyday materials,” explained Schneider. “More importantly, it enhances the safety of our students by replacing hazardous
chemicals with safer, more benign alternatives. For example, we are currently extracting phosphorus from household fertilizer by using an AP Chemistry concept. Using fertilizer allows the students to connect the concept to something they have in their house and understand what
‘10-10-10’ on the bag means and how each element helps the plants.”

In addition, the Drama Program, directed by Morgan Straber, received a $400 grant to improve
equipment that supports student productions.

“I am so grateful to the VISION Fund for supporting our drama program,” said Straber. “This grant will allow us to purchase new microphone headpieces, a backstage divider, and stage makeup. These changes may seem small, but they make a significant difference in enhancing our sound quality and the overall theater experience for both our performers and our audience.” Oldenburg Academy extends heartfelt thanks to the Hillenbrand VISION Fund for investing in the growth, creativity, and education of our students