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Welcome, Emily!
Worthington Education Foundation Appoints New Executive Director
New branding, website, board members, and office space fuel foundation’s momentum
Worthington Education Foundation (WEF) announces the appointment of Emily Chalfant as Executive Director, effective July 20, 2026. In this role, Chalfant will lead the foundation as it advances its mission to support innovative resources and experiences to enrich the education of every student in Worthington Schools.
Chalfant brings more than a decade of nonprofit leadership experience in project management, community engagement, and stakeholder relations. Most recently, she served as Program Director for Buddy Box Connection, where she led the organization's weekend food program serving food insecure children throughout Franklin County. A longtime Worthington resident and parent of two students in the district, Chalfant has been an active volunteer and leader in the community for more than 15 years through the PTA, Worthington Schools, and numerous local organizations.
"We are thrilled to welcome Emily to our leadership team," said Jenny Fuerst, president of the WEF Board of Directors. "Worthington is experiencing tremendous momentum, with exciting growth and investment happening throughout our community. The WEF is committed to matching that energy by helping our educators turn innovative ideas into meaningful opportunities for students. Emily is the ideal person to lead us into this next chapter. She is a passionate advocate for public education, deeply connected to our community, and brings the nonprofit leadership experience needed to help us expand our impact."
Chalfant said she is excited to build on the foundation's recent progress. "I am honored to join the Worthington Education Foundation at such an exciting time," she said. "The board has laid an incredible foundation for growth, and I look forward to partnering with them to expand opportunities for our students, strengthen community support for our schools, and continue investing in innovative learning experiences. This role combines my love for public education with my long-standing commitment to the Worthington community."
Chalfant's appointment comes during a period of significant growth for the foundation. During the past two years, the organization has completed an ambitious strategic plan that included a comprehensive rebrand, the launch of a new website, new office space at the Worthington Education Center on Wilson Bridge Road, the hiring of its first executive director, and the addition of new board members who offer a diverse range of expertise and representation from across the district.
Congratulations to Our 2025 Grant Recipients!
Thank you to all the Worthington Schools educators who submitted a grant application last year. We were excited to have received 21 applications across 13 schools. Our committee reviewed and scored all eligible applications and announced the winners in November 2025. Recipients received their checks totaling over $25,000 at a December Board of Education meeting, and they were featured at our annual fundraiser.
Volunteers Needed for 8th Grade Professional Days
Last year, the WEF piloted this program at Kilbourne Middle School to give 8th graders the important practice of professional verbal and nonverbal communication – shaking hands, making eye contact, talking professionally about their accomplishments and goals, etc. The program was such a success that this year we are expanding it to two additional middle schools. To make it happen, we need volunteers! Please click on a link below to register. It’s a fun and rewarding time for all involved – and lunch is provided to our generous volunteers courtesy of the WEF.
Thanks for Making Our 2025 Gala a Smashing Success
We were excited to see the return of our annual gala, and it seems that our community was, too! We welcomed more than 200 guests to our evening event at Brookside Golf & Country Club on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025. Attendees were treated to student performances, a silent auction, a keynote speaker who sparked creativity, delicious food and beverages, and a DJ to keep the celebration going. Mark your calendars for next year’s event Feb. 6, 2026.
Where are they now?
A 2019 grant from the WEF was the seed money Colonial Hills Elementary School needed to get its Outdoor Learning Space project off the ground. The WEF’s grant gave the program credibility to secure additional funding to create a unique structure for generations of Cougars to come. The success of the space was the inspiration for all 11 elementary schools to later get their own outdoor classrooms when government funds became available during the pandemic.
Join us in supporting the growth of Worthington students.
There are so many ways to get involved.
Attend an Event
You won’t want to miss our annual gala every winter or our smaller gatherings throughout the year.
Join the Team
We always welcome volunteers to help bring our events and programs to life.
Make a Gift
We accept donations of any size at any time to support our work to fuel future-forward learning in Worthington.
Partner with the WEF
The WEF is always looking for sponsorship partners who share our vision of boosting public education.
Thank you to our generous sponsors!
