DonorsChoose
In the heart of an inner-city Chicago classroom, discussions of space travel seem far-fetched. Yet, students at Dawes Elementary School are preparing for their journey to Mars, thanks to the generosity of donors who provided virtual reality headsets—an educational tool that Amani Abuhabsah-Ghusein never had during her initial teaching years.
“In my early days as a science teacher 21 years ago, I lacked the necessary supplies and resources,” Abuhabsah-Ghusein reflects. “I wanted to make science engaging and experiential, yet I was told there was no funding available. It was disheartening.”
Her dismay turned to hope when she discovered DonorsChoose, a crowdfunding platform dedicated to supporting classroom needs. Teachers in public schools can establish campaigns seeking community donations for their supplies. Since its inception in 2000, the organization has successfully raised $1.8 billion from nearly 7 million contributors. Some funds have allowed Abuhabsah-Ghusein’s students to access items like LEGO sets, STEM Kits, and model airplanes.
Empowering Educators and Learners in Need
Many educators have reported using their own funds for essential supplies such as glue sticks and tissue paper. A survey by DonorsChoose revealed that half of the teachers on their platform have taken on second jobs. This financial strain is notably worse in schools primarily serving communities of color. According to a report from 2022, such districts receive roughly $2,700 less per student in funding than the national average.
Educators utilizing DonorsChoose estimate they would spend around $1,400 annually on classroom supplies if the organization didn’t exist, whereas the assistance they receive reduces that figure to $655.
“We aim to move our nation toward a reality where all students can access the resources necessary for a meaningful education, irrespective of their zip code,” remarks Juan Brizuela, a representative of DonorsChoose.
The benefits of DonorsChoose extend beyond students to teachers as well.
“I can’t say if I would have persisted in my teaching career without DonorsChoose,” shares Abuhabsah-Ghusein. “Thanks to their support, I now have the necessary tools, which brings me joy, and the kids feel it too.”
Communities in Schools
When news broke that 18-year-old Yarely Baltazar had achieved what she had hoped for months, confetti erupted on her screen. As the fluttering settled, the word she desired appeared: “Congratulations!” The moment was monumental as she prepared to attend the University of Southern California that August. Rushing to share this joy, she searched for her parents, immigrants from Mexico, to celebrate being the first in her family to go to college.
“It felt surreal,” Baltazar expressed. “When I applied early, I noticed the acceptance rate was below 10 percent.”
Baltazar attributes a significant portion of her journey to Communities In Schools (CIS), an organization dedicated to reducing chronic absenteeism and keeping students engaged in their education. Throughout high school, she benefited from supplies, mentorship, and meals provided by the nonprofit, which supports 2 million students from kindergarten to 12th grade across 29 states.
Encouraging Attendance Through Community Connections
CIS reports that 15 million students in the U.S. face chronic absenteeism. To address this issue, the organization employs dedicated adults known as site coordinators who collaborate with parents, school authorities, and local community groups to help students overcome challenges hindering their attendance. These obstacles include mental and physical health issues, food scarcity, and responsibilities like employment or childcare. Site coordinators also provide mentorship, initiate attendance programs, and facilitate college preparedness along with life skills training.
Heather Clawson, Chief Program and Innovation Officer at CIS, recognizes the impact of these efforts—97% of students involved with the organization advance to the next grade. However, she believes the most transformative element lies in the relationships between site coordinators and students.
“It’s not the programs that change students’ lives; it’s the connections they form,” she states. “Every student needs engaged and caring adults in their lives.”
Clawson envisions a future where every student can access holistic support, mirroring Baltazar’s experience.
“The impact goes beyond immediate attendance, behavioral issues, and academics; it’s about effecting lasting changes in students’ lives and, ultimately, the communities they live in,” she asserts.
As Baltazar continues on her academic path, she will always remember the support provided by CIS.
“I looked forward to attending school every day,” Baltazar recalled. “The site coordinators offered me invaluable guidance, and I felt I could confide in them. Having CIS as my family made a significant difference in my life.”
This article first appeared in the September/October 2025 edition of up7op magazine (U.S. edition).
