Barberton Community Foundation Creates Fund to Help Students With Pay-to-Participate Fees

The Barberton Community Foundation has created a new fund to help students and families who may struggle to afford the district’s new pay-to-participate fees.

The Barberton Student Opportunity to Participate Fund is designed to provide financial assistance to eligible students participating in middle and high school athletics, marching band and color guard.

Barberton City Schools implemented the new fees for the 2026-27 school year as the district continues working through state-mandated fiscal oversight and efforts to reduce expenses.

According to the Foundation, the district has already reduced operating costs by about $7 million in one year but still faces additional cuts.

The new fund was created after community members began asking how they could help families for whom the added fees could create a barrier.

Donations have already been made by individuals and local organizations, with a goal of covering pay-to-participate fees for eligible students during the 2026-27 school year.

The Foundation says assistance will depend on eligibility and available funding.

The fund does not cover the operating costs of athletic teams, marching band or other school programs. Instead, it is specifically intended to help students with participation fees.

Foundation leaders say the long-term goal is to grow the fund into a permanent resource for Barberton students. Remaining assets are expected to move into an endowed fund beginning in 2029.

Community members who would like to contribute can donate through the Barberton Community Foundation.