Bring Classroom Learning to Life — and Earn Funds for Your Classroom
The Oakland County Fair Classroom Partnership Program connects K–12 classrooms with real‑world learning experiences at the Oakland County Fair. Teachers integrate existing classroom projects into Fair exhibits, giving students the opportunity to showcase their work while earning incentive funding for their classroom.
At-a-Glance Program Benefits
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Earn up to $250 per teacher based on student participation and project benchmarks
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Student entry fees waived for all participating classrooms
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Hands-on, real-world learning that reinforces classroom curriculum
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Easy classroom integration using projects students are already completing
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Student recognition and achievement, with projects displayed and judged at the Fair and students receiving ribbons and prize money
Who Can Participate
- Open to Oakland County K–12 teachers (public, private, charter, and homeschool educators)
- Each teacher may register one classroom
- Program is limited to 40 teachers per year and fills on a first‑come, first‑served basis
Eligible Student Projects
Students may enter classroom‑based projects that align with Fair categories, including but not limited to:
- Art, drawing, painting, and mixed media
- Creative writing and poetry
- Photography and digital media
- Science experiments and displays
- Horticulture and plant projects
- Educational posters and displays
- Woodworking
- Music- both vocal and instrumental
- Drama
Projects must meet Fair guidelines and be appropriate for public display. Detailed project requirements are available in the Fairbook.
Incentive Awards
Teachers earn classroom incentive funding based on the number of first‑time Fair exhibitors and total student projects entered.
| First‑Time Student Exhibitors
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Minimum Total Projects
|
Teacher Incentive
|
| 1–10
|
20
|
$100
|
| 11–25
|
50
|
$150
|
| 26 or more
|
60
|
$250
|
Incentive checks are mailed to teachers following the Fair.
How the Program Works
- Enroll in the Classroom Partnership Program by completing the online registration form.
- Determine the Fair‑eligible projects that are in your existing curriculum.
- Submit student entries online during the Fair entry window.
- Deliver projects to the Fair during scheduled drop‑off times.
- Attend the Fair to see student work displayed, judged, and celebrated.
- Receive your incentive award after the Fair concludes.
Important Dates (Typical Timeline)
- February: Program enrollment opens
- April: Enrollment closes or when 40 teachers are registered
- May–June: Online student entry period
- July: Oakland County Fair — projects displayed and judged
- August: Incentive checks mailed
Frequently Asked Questions
Do students need to attend the Fair in person?
Attendance is encouraged but not required for project participation.
Can multiple classes from the same school participate?
Yes, provided each class has a separate registered teacher and program capacity allows.
What if my class does not meet the highest benchmark?
Teachers receive incentives based on the highest benchmark achieved.
Are there costs for families?
Student entry fees are waived. Families may choose whether or not to attend the Fair.
Ready to Participate?
Enrollment is simple and spots are limited.
- Review the current Fairbook for project guidelines
- Complete the Classroom Partnership Program enrollment form
- Watch for confirmation and next‑step instructions
Questions? Contact the Oakland County Fair office for assistance — we are happy to help you make this program a success for your students and your classroom.