Two Appalachian Ohio teachers receive 2026 grants for place-based learning projects

Two Appalachian Ohio teachers have been awarded 2026 Grants in Place funding through the Rural Schools Collaborative, recognizing classroom projects that connect students directly to their communities.

The awards reflect the growing impact of Ohio University’s Regional Higher Education campuses and their leadership of the Ohio Regional Hub of the Rural Schools Collaborative. Through partnerships with Building Bridges to Careers, the hub supports educators in Appalachian Ohio who design learning rooted in local history, culture and economic opportunity.

Each rural classroom grant award is up to $2,500 and can be flexibly spent to meet the needs of these unique projects. All funded initiatives will be implemented during the spring 2026 semester.

The Ohio Regional Hub works to strengthen education in small Appalachian communities, elevate place-based education and ensure students in Appalachian communities see their home region as a source of strength and opportunity.

“This recognition shows what is possible when regional campuses invest in the educators already serving rural Ohio,” said Dr. Jacqueline Yahn, associate professor at Ohio University Eastern and co-lead of the Ohio Regional Hub. “These projects demonstrate how rural schools can use their own communities as classrooms.” 

Desiree Beekman 

Desiree Beekman, a gifted education specialist serving students in Scioto Valley Local Schools through the Ross Pike Educational Service District, brings 24 years of experience to her work.

Her project, Voices of Appalachia A Student Podcast, will guide students in researching oral histories and interviewing community members to produce a podcast series that highlights Appalachian identity and culture. Students will explore local environmental issues, family histories and community traditions while working to challenge stereotypes about the region.

Beekman, who also co-owns Napier Family Farms, said the project will help students recognize the value of their heritage and strengthen their communication skills through storytelling.

Jennifer Buckler 

Jennifer Buckler, a STEAM and career development teacher at Western Local Schools in Latham, Ohio, also received a 2026 grant. Buckler is one of OHIO’s Rural Teacher Fellows, a program designed to recruit, support and retain educators committed to teaching in rural Appalachian communities.

The Ohio Rural Teacher Fellowship provides professional development, mentorship and networking opportunities for practicing teachers who are strengthening rural education from within their own districts.

Buckler’s project, STEM to Stem the Cut Flower Collective, will bring together elementary students and high school agriculture students to design and operate a school-based cut flower business. Students will study plant science, greenhouse management and entrepreneurship while selling bouquets at local events and donating arrangements to nursing homes and hospitals.

The cross-grade collaboration offers students hands-on experience in science, agriculture and business while reinforcing the connection between rural education and local economic development.

Building rural teacher pipelines

The Grants in Place awards align with Ohio University’s broader regional strategy to support rural schools. In addition to the Rural Teacher Fellowship, Ohio University Regional Higher Education partners with districts through initiatives such as the Rural Teacher Corps.

The Rural Teacher Corps is a cohort-based program that supports education majors preparing to teach in rural schools. Students receive training focused on community engagement, place-based instruction and rural leadership before entering the classroom.

“These grants are part of a larger ecosystem of support for rural educators,” Yahn said. “When higher education, local schools and community partners work together, rural students benefit.”

For more information about the Grants in Place program and the Ohio Regional Hub, visit the Rural Schools Collaborative website.