In 1996 Bexley alumnus R.L. Stine, Class of 1961, best known as the young people's author of Goosebumps and Fear Street books, created an endowment fund with the Foundation in hopes of giving young students the opportunity to learn about and experience the joys of writing. He remembered his experiences as a student in the Bexley schools and chose to give something back to benefit the students of today. "I was extremely interested in supporting a program that would have a significant impact on students' appreciation of literature and their writing abilities," stated Stine.

Each year the Foundation, in collaboration with the school district and a grant from the Ohio Arts Council, funds a six-week residency, which typically includes a two-week program for students in each of the fifth grades in the elementary buildings and a designated portion of the middle school. The Ohio Arts Council utilizes state dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence, and cultural enrichment in Ohio.

Beginning in 1998 with author Tia Palmquist and Bexley resident, author-teacher Amy Schildhouse Greenberg, the program has experienced much success. Both Palmquist and Greenberg returned early in 1999 and later in the fall the district was honored with a visit from R.L. Stine. His assembly presentation for students in grades three through five and the middle school was met with much enthusiasm. In 2000, poet Nick Muska incorporated cello music with some of his own creative works at the conclusion of his residency, while Greenberg returned for a third year to work with some students. In 2001, Greenberg shared the eight-week program with poet Wendy McVicker, an Athens, Ohio resident, who has returned in each subsequent year. During the 2004-2005 school year, Ms. McVicker was joined by Bexley alumna and author D.G.Fulford ('67) for a portion of the residency. For the 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 school years, Wendy McVicker inspired second grade students in addition to all fifth graders.

The 2007-2008 Author in Residence Program featured novelist and playwright Chiquita Mullins Lee, who called her residency "Shorts, Monologues and Adaptations." Ms. Lee spent two weeks in each of Bexley's three elementary schools, working again with second and fifth graders.

This special time for students to expand their writing experiences is anticipated annually by students and teachers alike. At the conclusion of each school's residency, a culminating event is planned for the students to share their completed creative writings with family and community members.