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About ACSF

We generate and endow funds to promote excellence in academics, the arts and athletics, and to provide educational opportunities for all students and educators in the Ashland City School District.

This video was produced in 2019 and continues to define the mission of the Ashland City Schools Foundation.

ACSF was founded in 1994  as a nonprofit, independent organization by members of the Ashland High School Class of 1942 and Dr. R. Lee Schafer. 

With support from AHS alumni, retired teachers, corporations, foundations, community members and friends, ACSF has granted over $1 million. These grants support Ashland City Schools with teacher grants and other special programs and initiatives. 

In continuing its growth and maximizing its grantmaking to serve Ashland City School District, ACSF chose to become an Affiliate of Ashland County Community Foundation in 2024.

In early 2025, we were thrilled to unveil a project that we fully funded as a dedication to the late Dr. Lucille Garber Ford. Near the library at Ashland High School, the new Dr. Lucille Garber Ford Hallway highlights past ACSF Distinguished Alumni honorees through a video board and a display of plaques.

A 1940 AHS graduate, Dr. Ford was a longtime member of the boards of both the ACSF board and ACCF. She helped guide fundraising campaigns that infused millions of dollars into Ashland City Schools and many other parts of Ashland County.

We are honored to have her as part of our history at the ACSF.

Foundation leaders work closely with Ashland City School District officials to determine the types of educational materials and programs that will provide the best opportunities for students and educators in the district.

While ACSF is not directly affiliated with the Ashland City Schools or the Board of Education, foundation committee members work closely with school officials to determine what types of educational materials and programs deserve to be supported by the Ashland City Schools Foundation.

Click here to learn more about our leadership team. 

Our Programs

Offered twice per year, ACS teachers have the opportunity to apply for grants that provide educational enrichment outside of the district’s standard operational funding. Apply now.

About the Award:

The biennial Distinguished Alumnus Award honors AHS graduates who have had significant achievements as adults in their careers and/or have served as benefactors to others.  Nominations for special honorary recognition for individuals who have not graduated from Ashland High School but have made significant contributions to Ashland City Schools are also considered.

Selection Criteria:

A.  Any graduate of Ashland High School is eligible.

B.  Candidates must have been out of high school a minimum of 15 years.

C.  Candidates must have distinguished themselves in one of the following areas:

D.  Candidates for special honorary recognition may include individuals who have not graduated from Ashland High School but have made a significant contribution to Ashland City Schools.

E.  A maximum number of 10 people will be inducted biennially.

Click here for more details. 

Click here to view a list of past inductees.

Honor your Ashland High School graduate by giving back to Ashland City Schools through the Ashland City Schools Foundation.

Your donation honoring your senior – in any amount – will support our mission of generating and endowing funds to promote future excellence and opportunities in academics, the arts and athletics in Ashland City Schools through:

  • Student Scholarships
  • Teacher Mini Grants
  • Enhanced ACS Facilities
  • District-wide Initiatives
  • Honoring Alumni

Since 1994, the Ashland City Schools Foundation has granted more than $1 million to benefit and enhance the experiences for our students and the people who help make ACS one-of-a-kind. When you make a donation in any amount to the ACSF through this Honor Your Graduate program, your student will receive a card at graduation acknowledging your donation in their name. The card will be a keepsake that also will feature their AHS graduating class photo.

Donate to Honor Your Graduate and join us in making a difference in the lives of ACS students for decades to come. Feel free to email ashlandcsf@gmail.com with any questions. 

Congratulations to all our AHS graduates!

This initiative has concluded for 2025. Class of 2026 graduates can be honored in Spring 2026. 

Honors and celebrates an outstanding teacher who exemplifies the Foundation’s mission, while also providing close collaboration between ACS and the Foundation.

Supported through the Seat Plaque Program, seat plaques still available! Email us at ashlandcsf@gmail.com for details.

We are selling commemorative bricks and benches for placement in the Walk of Champions, located between the Keith Wygant Memorial Fieldhouse and Community Stadium. Your investment of $250 for a brick or $3,000 for a bench in the Walk of Champions will secure your place in history and support all of the programs throughout the district that utilize the fieldhouse facility.

Images of the commemorative bricks and the Walk of Champions can be viewed here.

For more information or to donate, click here to download our campaign brochure. 

The ACSF is proud to be one of three lead sponsors behind this program. Project Pavise is an initiative that aims to empower kids and teens to make smarter choices on their devices while helping parents understand social media and algorithms to better guide, monitor and communicate with their children. The program’s core focus is to ensure a safer online experience for students today and it already has expanded its reach beyond Ashland City Schools.

For more information, visit projectpavise.org or search for the program on social media.

The ACSF is excited to be a financial backer of the “Leader in Me” program, which will impact Ashland City Schools and its students, educators and families for years to come. The program is aimed at ACS students in grades preschool through third grade and is an evidence-based initiative focused on developing leadership, fostering a positive school culture and enhancing academic outcomes.

For more information, visit leaderinme.org.

Join Us

Tax deductible donations to ACSF can be made:

Estate planning is another great way to support causes close to your heart. Contact your financial advisor today for more information on how to remember ACSF in your will.

Give in honor of someone. The perfect gift for a loved one who cares about promoting a legacy of excellence in Ashland City Schools. Email us at ashlandcsf@gmail.com for details.

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