Bright Beginnings in Barberton
Announcing the Julie and Jayson Bright Beginnings Endowed Scholarship Fund
Barberton Community Foundation is proud to announce the Julie & Jayson Humble Bright Beginnings Endowed Scholarship Fund, a first‑of‑its‑kind resource that removes financial barriers to high‑quality preschool for Barberton families.
Created by Barberton High School alumnus Jayson Humble (’98) and his wife, Julie, the scholarship reflects the couple’s conviction that every child deserves a strong educational start. Jayson serves as Vice President of Engineering, Marketing, and Sales at Alpha Technologies, while Julie teaches AP Psychology and Government at Twinsburg High School.
“The chance to learn in a nurturing preschool changed the trajectory of my own life,” Jayson said. “We want Barberton kids to have that same opportunity—no matter their family’s income.”
Why Bright Beginnings Matter
State assessments show that only 22.8 percent of Barberton children enter kindergarten demonstrating readiness. Many families are priced out of preschool or contend with long waitlists and part‑day programs that don’t align with work schedules. Children often transition to kindergarten from more than 20 different daycare and childcare settings in the Barberton area, leaving many without consistent exposure to curriculum-based structured early learning.
Data show when Barberton children do gain access to high‑quality preschool, they outperform their peers, proving that the right start makes a big difference. By covering tuition and required fees, the Humble Bright Beginnings Scholarship closes the affordability gap and delivers the early‑learning experiences proven to boost confidence, curiosity, and K-12 academic performance.
“Early childhood education is one of the hidden or overlooked opportunities when it comes to helping kids and building community,” said Josh Gordon, Executive Director of Barberton Community Foundation. “The Humbles’ generosity creates a gift that will initially make a difference for one student, but overtime, its impact will grow.
“Their decision to invest in early childhood ensures every Barberton child can write a similar success story—one that begins with promise and potential,” Gordon added. “The Foundation is delighted to be their partner in impacting so many lives, starting now.”
About the Humble Family & Their Vision
Julie and Jayson Humble know what it means to persevere and to pave a new path forward. Their lives—rooted in education, grit, and a shared belief in the power of early support—reflect the very spirit behind their scholarship.
Jayson Humble, a 1998 Barberton High School graduate, grew up in a large household where financial resources were scarce. His early work experiences shaped who he became—and taught him the value of grit, hard work, and opportunity. Today, he’s a successful leader in business, working as the Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Alpha Technologies.
While establishing the scholarship, Humble said, “The people who’ve had a little luck owe it to give back. That’s why we’re taking this first step and starting a fund at Barberton Community Foundation. They’re providing the structure, the vehicle to achieve our goal.”
Julie Humble, a Hudson native, was raised in a home that championed early childhood education. Her mother, Linda Sucheski, founded a preschool in 1979, instilling in Julie a lifelong appreciation for the importance of the early years. Today, Julie teaches AP Psychology, Sociology, and Government at Twinsburg High School, and together she and Jayson are raising two daughters, Claire and Adeline. Their shared values around education, opportunity, and early learning became the foundation for their decision to give back.
Together, the Humbles envision a future where every Barberton child arrives in kindergarten confident and ready to thrive. Their immediate goal is to erase cost as a barrier to quality preschool for one child. Long‑term, they hope the fund will inspire other donors, grow into a community‑wide early‑learning resource, and lift Barberton’s readiness rate well beyond 22 percent.
“This isn’t just tuition assistance,” Julie Humble explained. “It’s an investment in Barberton’s future leaders, innovators, and neighbors. When we lift up our youngest learners, the entire community rises with them.”
How to Apply
The Julie & Jayson Humble Bright Beginnings Endowed Scholarship application opens July 31, 2025 and remains open through the month of August. Interested applicants are encouraged to read the FAQ before applying. Families can complete the online form at barbertoncf.org/goapply.
For assistance, please call 330-745-5995, or visit the Foundation’s office at 460 W. Paige Ave. Barberton, OH 44203.