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When classrooms celebrate world cultures as part of an affirming and expansive learning environment for students, young children are more able to develop a positive sense of identity and build self-esteem. 

Lunar New Year is one of the world's most vibrant holidays centered around good fortune, lucky foods, and togetherness. This year, Lunar New Year falls on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. Celebrated by more than 1.5 billion people worldwide, this colorful and rich holiday provides a great opportunity for teachers looking to bring other cultures into the classroom. For the third year in a row, we’re partnering with Panda Express, the largest family-owned and operated Asian dining concept in the U.S., for our Lunar New Year partnership, doubling donations to related projects and sharing a free Lunar New Year curriculum.

Starting today, December 18, Panda invites you to create a project to help students learn about and celebrate Lunar New Year for doubled donations.

Create a project

Panda Express’ Let’s Explore! Lunar New Year Program

In addition to doubling donations, Panda Express is sharing its “Let’s Explore!: Lunar New Year” program, a fun, free and educational resource for educators who are looking for ideas to bring Lunar New Year to life in their classrooms. 

The curriculum includes eight interactive activities that explore the rich traditions of Lunar New Year, like the meaning behind lucky foods eaten during the 15-day long celebration, the symbolism of lucky red envelopes, the importance of zodiac animals, and more. 

In addition to the digital curriculum, you’ll be sent a physical activity booklet that includes matching games, coloring templates, trivia, and step-by-step directions on how to make a Chinese Lantern and more, while supplies last. We encourage you to sign up for this limited-time interactive program! 

Learn more and sign up

Lunar New Year Project Inspiration

Looking for inspiration to take your classroom celebration to the next level? We want to share a few of our favorite Lunar New Year projects funded by Panda last year!

Mrs. Martes requested paper lanterns, dragon decorations, and books to help her students learn about Lunar New Year as part of a school-wide emphasis on celebrating culture.

“I am a firm believer that students who learn about different cultures during their education feel more comfortable and safe with these differences later in life.”

Mrs. Goo requested what she needed for read aloud stories and crafts with her first graders.

“My students are very inquisitive and always have questions to ask. Celebrating Lunar New Year is important to our classroom family.”

Ms. Jimenez brings her own culture into the classroom by teaching her students about Chinese holidays, especially Lunar New Year.

“This project is very important to me, and sharing the Lunar New Year books, decorations, and Chinese foods from Panda Express will bring a new experience to my students. We will learn about the Lunar New Year using the Panda Express curriculum along with eating foods from their restaurant.”

Want a few more ideas? Check out all the Lunar New Year projects funded by Panda Express last year!

We hope you’ll join us in deepening cultural education for today’s youth and acknowledging the cultural significance of one of the world’s most celebrated holidays! Create your project.

There are few writers who have made students laugh and enjoy reading more than Mo Willems. When you mention one of his instant classics like Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, Knuffle Bunny, or the Elephant and Piggie series to a student, their eyes light up without fail.

Mo’s storytelling chops and distinct art style have made him a household name in homes — and classrooms! — everywhere. But through his work with his wife Cher and their commitment to literacy, that impact goes even further. To the delight of public school teachers everywhere, part of that vital work includes supporting students through DonorsChoose.‍

Hear from Mo and Cher Willems about the books they love and why literacy means so much to them.

What book most changed how you see the world?
Mo: The George and Martha books by James Marshall showed me that you can remain friends even if you pour pea soup in their shoes.  Also, gold teeth are kind of cool.

What first inspired your love of literacy and reading?
Cher: As a kid, I loved getting lost in stories and would check out a sack of books every week.  I loved looking at the date stamps in the back of the book and feeling connected to all the other readers who had previously read the same words I was reading.  We no longer have those date stamps- but I still have the same feeling of being connected to the community of people around the world who have read the same book as me.  It's an awesome thought.

What advice would you give to students (or adults) who cannot seem to find the right book to read?
Mo: Go to the library!  Keep looking!  Ask a librarian!  And if all that fails, write and draw the book you want to see.  I’m sure someone else is waiting to read a book just like that.

Do you have a favorite library memory?
Cher: When I was young, I was a voracious reader and small for my age.  I remember the day I had grown just tall enough and was able to see the books on the upper library shelves because that was the day I discovered more books by a favorite author I loved on the shelf above!  What a great day!

Why are both of you committed to expanding literacy through organizations like DonorsChoose?
Cher: Books allow all kinds of people to immerse themselves in a story or a subject at the right pace for them.  We all need a refuge from time to time.  DonorsChoose helps us make that more possible, for more people.

Mo: If we expect students to do their very best, we need to provide them with the best tools.  Philanthropy is a poor substitute for policy, but we want teachers and students to know we’re cheering them on as best we can.

And the all important half question, finish this sentence: Books are…
Friends! 

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DonorsChoose was founded by a public school teacher in 2000 with one simple idea: If teachers had an easy way to share what their students need, people would want to help. Since then, teachers in 89% of America’s public schools have requested items through DonorsChoose, and people across the country have helped bring over $1.7 billion in supplies to their classrooms. 

For teachers, there are two ways to request supplies through DonorsChoose.

• Classroom projects offer maximum flexibility, often bringing out teachers’ dreams for their students. Teachers can shop for whatever supplies they need — from microscopes to tablets to musical instruments — from a bunch of different vendors. The teacher writes a few sentences about their students, and donors jump in to fund the project. When the full project is funded, our team has the materials shipped right to the classroom.
  See example projects

• Lists for classroom essentials allow teachers to create a quick list for basic classroom items, without any writing, project submission, or minimum costs. Once a list has been published, donors can donate to support a teacher’s list. When teachers receive enough funding for any one item, they can immediately submit an order for that specific item, and it's shipped right to you. 
  ‍See example lists

Still not sure which is the right choice for you right now? Take our quiz to find which type of request is best for your classroom needs!

Do you just need basic supplies?‍

YES, I just need basic supplies like pencils, paper, tissues, and wipes.
Create a list for essentials. Instead of dropping by the store on your way home to pick up those everyday items your classroom can’t live without, let donors fund your shopping list and we’ll send the materials directly 

NO, I need other items like books, seat cushions, paint brushes, gardening supplies, and more. 
Create a project to get the exact materials you’re envisioning for your students. If you need reading material, technology, classroom furniture, or subject-specific items — projects are for you! (And don’t worry, you can add basic supplies to your project, too; projects are all about flexibility!) 

Do you prefer specific brands? 

YES, I need specific brands!
Create a project. You’ll be able to shop all the DonorsChoose vendors at once: AKJ Education, Amazon, Best Buy Education, Blick Art Materials, Lakeshore, LEGO Education, Scholastic Classroom Magazines & Book Clubs, and many, many more.

NO, I just need the basics, no matter what brand they are.
Create a list for essentials. You can get a quick shipment of pencils, crayons, bandages, disinfecting wipes, or other basic items.

Do you want funding help from our partners?

YES, I would like to take advantage of partner funding if it becomes available.
Create a project. Throughout the year, our corporation and foundation partners match donations to projects. Sometimes they’ll jump in to help projects from a certain area of the country (i.e. neighborhoods, regions, and states). Other times, a partner will want to support requests for certain supplies or subject area (think: books, STEM supplies, requests supporting special needs students). And in really special moments each year, a partner will match donations to every single project on the site. If you’d like your request to be open to these opportunities, a project is for you!

No; partner support would be nice, but it’s more important to me to get each individual item as it’s funded.
Create a list for essentials. No waiting for a full project to be funded — your items can be on their way as soon as a donor funds the first one!

Studies now prove what teachers have known for decades: learning gamification can boost motivation, enhance memory recall, and improve student performance. Weaving together fun with hands-on learning helps students feel empowered, retain information, and accomplish their goals in and outside the classroom. 

But bringing new education technology into classrooms is nowhere near as easy as 1-2-3. Introducing tools to entire school districts can mean navigating complex, slow-moving contracting and procurement processes. Beyond that, teachers are already strapped for time, and student privacy considerations mean that getting their feedback — an essential piece in launching any technology product — can be daunting.

So how can a company overcome those feedback challenges to bring new products into classrooms that create lasting, impactful change? Together, BUILD.org and DonorsChoose took a grassroots, teacher-centric approach to this question, and it paid off — big time. 

Understanding the true value of frontline wisdom  

BUILD.org is dedicated to empowering kids in under-resourced communities with the career skills, entrepreneurial mindset, opportunities, and connections they need to achieve economic power and freedom. Their newest offering, FamBiz, is a CEO simulation game for 7th-12th graders that transforms entrepreneurship skill-building into a gamified adventure. As students play, they shape their own entrepreneurial journey by navigating critical choices in team dynamics, product development, consumer research, and more. Made free and accessible to all thanks to a partnership under Comcast NBCUniversal’s Project UP Initiative, FamBiz has the potential to inspire students’ entrepreneurship, leadership, and grit.

DonorsChoose shares BUILD’s mission of student empowerment. In the 2023-24 school year, nearly a quarter of a million teachers used DonorsChoose to request what their students needed, and since our founding in 2000, 89% of US public schools have at least one teacher who’s requested materials through our site. By connecting teachers and classrooms in need with a community of over 6 million donors and sponsors, DonorsChoose proves every day that we won’t stop until every student has what they need to succeed.

A grassroots approach to product adoption

Both BUILD.org and DonorsChoose understand that teachers are the key to any meaningful change in the classroom. They’re excellent word-of-mouth marketers — teachers trust each others’ recommendations above everything else. BUILD.org knew that if they wanted to encourage long-term adoption of FamBiz, they’d need to engage teachers and get their direct feedback to make that happen. BUILD.org also recognized DonorsChoose’s reputation with teachers and district leaders alike — if DonorsChoose recommended FamBiz, teachers would be excited to try it out. 

BUILD.org began by tapping into DonorsChoose’s active and engaged audience of innovative teachers. As an incentive and thank-you, participating teachers would receive a $300 DonorsChoose gift card, provided by Comcast, that they could use to stock their classrooms. 

With just one email, DonorsChoose inspired 888 teachers to sign up for FamBiz in advance of the launch.

Leveraging feedback to create lasting change

Building on that success, BUILD.org then leveraged DonorsChoose’s robust feedback mechanisms to iterate and improve their product for future users. 

BUILD.org tapped into three feedback streams: Teachers wrote questions to DonorsChoose Customer Support. Upon receiving their questions, our team identified trends to share back with BUILD.org, leading to informed improvements in user experience.

1. After leading their students through FamBiz, teachers reported their experience and the tool’s impact on their students to DonorsChoose via a survey.
2. Integrated student reflections and end-of-experience student surveys provided immediate feedback on student learning and student engagement.

In return, not only did the BUILD team receive crucial user feedback on FamBiz, but teachers used their DonorsChoose gift cards to bring learning materials to students in hundreds of classrooms. A new learning tool crossed the daunting bridge of receiving classroom input, and teachers received the help they needed.

We’re totally blown away by what can be accomplished when we let teacher wisdom guide product development and roll-out. The partnership between DonorsChoose, BUILD.org, and Comcast highlights that when we listen to teachers about what classrooms need, we can help be a part of a brighter future for all students. We’re so grateful to our partners at BUILD.org and Comcast for putting their community values into practice to create lasting change!

Visit our Partner Center to learn how you can work with DonorsChoose to achieve your organization’s goals.

Ms. Willis, a high school teacher in Starkville, Mississippi, will tell you that representation in books matters:

“Many of my students have never been able to make a personal connection with a book. One student told me that he'd never seen a mixed race person in a book and that he didn't believe that anyone had ever written about people like him.

Another student said she had never read a book with a black female as the main character unless the person was a slave or a civil rights activist, no one just doing everyday things. Everyone deserves to look into a book and see their own reflection.”

“Representative Resources” is teacher-speak for what kids innately want in the books on their classroom shelves — a book they can relate to.

Mrs. Swigut’s 4th graders in Sommerville, Massachusetts explains:

"[We want] to get more books of identities that we don't see enough. This includes LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, people from other countries, and people of different races. We are requesting diverse books because we don’t want kids who, for example, are in a wheelchair to feel like there’s nobody they can relate to. We want kids to see people like them, but also we want people to see that everybody is not the same. [We want] to get people to know there's a bigger world out there." — Corrina

"If you don't see yourself in books, you might feel invisible." — Isaac

We asked students of all ages about the books that changed their lives. Here are the Authors, Books, and Characters that inspired them.

A: What AUTHOR fueled your ASPIRATIONS?

Lauren, 8th Grade
I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika Sánchez
“I like Erika Sanchez’s story I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter because I know what it’s like to grow up in a culture that’s different to the one my parents grew up in.”

Hannah, 11th Grade
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
‍“I really enjoyed reading Born A Crime by Trevor Noah, because learning about the challenges he faced in his life gives me ideas of how to handle challenges in mine.”

B: What BOOK helped you BE YOURSELF?

JJ, 4th Grade
Abdul’s Story by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
“I like Abdul’s Story because Abdul makes mistakes like I do. I like that he learns from his mistakes.”  

Ally, 8th Grade
Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
“I like Fish In A Tree because it talks about the experience of dyslexia.”

Pearl, 8th Grade 
El Deafo by Cece Bell
“A book where I felt seen and understood was El Deafo because it shows someone wearing a medical device, and I wear one too.”

C: What CHARACTER helped you feel CONFIDENT?

Guadalupe, 12th Grade
Nuestro mundo: Level 3 Spanish Short Story Collection by Dirk Esterline
“Emilia inspired me to stay true to myself as she showed her passion. I love the story because I am a native Spanish speaker and this book is written in Spanish.  I was able to share my culture with my classmates when we read this story.”

Miluna, 1st Grade
Selena by Silvia Lopez
“I like books that show me what I can be when I grow up!”

Noble, 2nd Grade 
Weirdo by Tony Weaver, Jr
“I love Weirdo because it shows Tony finding his community.”

DonorsChoose teachers know a classroom where students feel seen is crucial to learning. One great way to make that happen? Graphic novels! With a keen ability to break down complex topics in vivid illustrations and straightforward text, graphic novels are a natural resource for kids looking to see themselves reflected in literature. Here’s a list of 11 great graphic novels with stories that champion representation.

Ty’s Travels by Kelly Styling Lyons (Illustrations by Niña Mata)

For beginning readers (grades preK-2+) Ty is a young boy with a big imagination, who turns everyday moments into fantastical adventures. These comics are great for new readers with its rhythmic but easy-to-read text and vibrant illustrations. As an added bonus, every story is full of family love, Black joy, and endearing characters!

Two Tribes by Emily Bowen Cohen

For elementary school readers and older (grades 3–5+). Mia is a part of both Muscogee & Jewish cultures. When she takes a fateful bus trip to her father to get more in touch with her Native heritage in Oklahoma, she also begins a journey of defining both identities on her own terms.

Invisible by Cristina Diaz Gonzalez

For elementary age and older (grades 3-5+). When five middle schoolers are thrown together for community service they have seemingly nothing in common beyond speaking Spanish. But it soon becomes clear working together and sharing hidden truths may be the only way to help someone new. 

El Deafo by Cece Bell

‍For elementary readers and older (grades 3-5+): A young bunny navigates school, friendship, and life with hearing loss in a both heartwarming and humorous story that is loosely based (read: she is not a bunny) on the author’s own childhood.

It Won’t Always Be Like This by Malaka Gharib

For elementary school readers and older (grades 3-5+). A young girl tries her very best to remain grounded amid her father’s remarriage and his new family in Egypt. An autobiographical memoir, this graphic novel explores coming-of-age while coming-to-know a new country and culture all at once.

Drama by Raina Telgemeier 

For middle-school readers and older (grades 6-8+). Raina Telgemeier may just be the queen of the middle school storylines; her books are teacher-requested and beloved by students. Take Drama for example. A graphic novel about friendship, new crushes, and being a theater kid all in one. Kids love this wonderfully fun storyline with coming-of-age perfection and positive LGBTQ themes. 

New Kid by Jerry Craft

‍For middle school readers and older (grades 6-8+). Follow Jordan, a Black student navigating a new school where he's one of the few kids of color. Both honest and warmhearted, this award-winning story by the author of Class Act will fuel important conversations on race, friendship, and belonging for students of all backgrounds.

Magic Fish by Tiến Phong

For middle school readers and older (grades 6-8+). Young Tiến, a second generation Vietnamese American, helps his mother learn English through fairy tales. When Tiến tries to find the right way to come out to his parents, he finds it’s the same stories that help him through.  

Booked (Part of the Crossover Series) by Kwame Alexander

For middle school readers and older (grades 6-8+). Dive into the world of soccer and the power of words with this captivating book. Written in verse, this story offers a fresh way to explore lessons about family, friendship, race, and bullies all in one. Follow it up with Crossover also by Kwame Alexander!

Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

For high school readers and older (grades 9-12+). Travel to 1970s Iran during the Islamic Revolution in this powerful memoir that explores  identity, family, and coming-of-age amidst political upheaval as told through the eyes of young Marjane.

Genderqueer by Maia Kobabe

For high school readers and older (grades 11-12+). What does it mean to be beyond the gender binary? This memoir explores exactly that as we join the author’s own journey of self-discovery and identity through adolescence as they ultimately find out and what it means for them to identify beyond the gender binary. 

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There is no tool more powerful than a good story to build empathy and promote self-esteem. Teachers tell us time and again: stories have the ability to foster learning, acceptance, growth, and affirmation. 

As award-winning author Tananarive Due put it, “Diversity should just be called “reality.” Your books, your TV shows, your movies, your articles, your curricula need to reflect reality.”

Mrs. Weigand, a dual language teacher in a Title 1 elementary school expands on this idea: “When our students see themselves reflected in these books the positive impact is almost immeasurable. Having quality role models to read about creates positive ripples in schools and communities.”

‍For teachers, having intentional, inclusive reading materials in your classroom can support the full development of your students, regardless of who they are or where they come from. Here’s why:

Windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors

Educator Emily Style was the first to coin the term “windows and mirrors” in 1988 as a way of naming storytelling’s power. In 1990, well-known children’s literature researcher Rudine Sims Bishop expanded that term to include “sliding glass doors,” specifically when talking about children’s books. In using these terms, both Style and Sims Bishop meant that a powerful collection of children’s books should serve as:

1. Windows into the lived realities of other people

2. Mirrors for the reader, reflecting their own lives and experiences back to them

3. Sliding glass doors that help readers walk into a story and become a part of a world created by the author

Let’s take Jessica Love’s Julián Is A Mermaid as an example. Julián Is A Mermaid can function as a mirror for LGBTQ+ children, for students who live in urban settings, or for students who have a special relationship with their grandparent. On the flip side — for kids who live in rural or suburban settings — this book can be a window into life in an urban neighborhood. For every reader, Julián Is A Mermaid offers an engaging, colorful, and immersive world, or a sliding glass door, that celebrates all the ways in which we are different. 

“Reading books like Julian is a Mermaid, Thank you Omu, and Proudest Blue help my students feel seen. It is so important for my students to have books that they can identify with. These are characters that tell stories similar to their own experiences. Their stories are not just their own, but now a shared experience with the whole class. This allows us to meet people who are different than us, and helps us to build those bridges of understanding. As we work on learning about ourselves, each other, and our emotions students need to see characters that look like them and go through similar experiences. We will explore our own identity, who we are, what we want/need, and our emotions. These books will help us do just that!” 

— Creating a Classroom Library That's Reflective of its Students, a project from Ms. Ferguson, elementary school, West Roxbury, MA

How to make sure your students get both windows and mirrors

The bottom line is that children need windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors in their learning material to help them grow into the best versions of themselves… but, because relatively few books are published that feature people of color, people with disabilities, those who identify with the LGBTQ+ community, and members of other marginalized communities, some children only get to experience windows. This teacher from Arizona summarizes the value of diverse books best:

“When students can see themselves in books it is an amazing thing. It helps to give them a voice. It is empowering. When students see others represented in books it helps them to learn acceptance, empathy, and equity.”

Classroom libraries that include a variety of stories and characters help students feel and understand the breadth of experiences and opportunities in this world.

How to expand diversity in your classroom library

For an easy place to start, check out these DonorsChoose projects from teachers requesting books that focus on representation. For specific title recommendations, consider this resource from the DonorsChoose blog.

For younger students, the age-appropriate picture books you choose for your young readers can build a solid foundation. Indiana pre-K teacher Ms. Moriarity shares this:

“Inclusive and diverse texts help me strengthen our classroom community, the school family we work so hard to build from day one. I want the literature I choose to share with students to be relevant to their daily lives and act as a mirror to see themselves and their families, or as vehicles to build empathy for people who are different from them.”

For older grades, consider inviting your students’ recommendations. We’ll leave you with these words from Ms. Sloane about her high schoolers in Texas. They helped her curate her classroom collection:

“[My] selection of books has been hand picked by students over the last couple of years as books they actually want to read. That is another goal of mine — to provide less book lists to choose from and let the students create their own lists. This generates ownership and excitement and a much more diverse set of books than I would have ever found.”

New York, NY - DonorsChoose, a national education equity nonprofit, appointed three new directors to its board at their October 2024 meeting. Shan-Lyn Ma, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Zola; Pedro Noguera, Dean of the Rossier School of Education at the University of Southern California; and Nasir Qadree, Founder & Managing Partner at Zeal Capital Partners, join the DonorsChoose board as the organization reaches a $1.7 billion fundraising milestone for classroom resources for public schools across the country.

Ma, Noguera, and Qadree join the DonorsChoose board as the terms of directors Mitch Cohen, Kristie Jones, Desiree Rogers, Trabian Shorters, and Jeff Weiner come to a close.  “I'm so grateful to each of the board members whose contributions have helped to shape DonorsChoose and will continue to provide inspiration for our work,” shared DonorsChoose CEO Alix Guerrier.  “I'm especially thankful for the support and guidance each of them provided to help me settle into my role as CEO in the last few years.”

DonorsChoose, founded by former Bronx educator Charles Best, launched as a website where public school teachers could post requests for classroom resources. Best’s colleagues posted the first 11 projects. Since then, teachers at nearly 90% of US public schools have requested resources through DonorsChoose. 

“I am excited by the unlimited potential of DonorsChoose to match everyone from individual donors to charitable foundations with the projects, geographies, and domain-specific areas they are looking to impact, while fulfilling the urgent requests teachers need in order to do their work,” noted new board member Shan-Lyn Ma. 

Board member Nasir Qadree shared, “I’m excited to support an organization that ensures resources flow directly to classrooms where they can make the greatest impact, allowing kids to dream big, sparking potential, and possibility in young minds.” 

As America’s classrooms continue to recover from the learning impacts of COVID-19, DonorsChoose and its community of supporters are playing a vital role in ensuring students and teachers have the resources they need to excel.  “Despite its flaws, public education continues to be critical to American democracy. Only an educated public can ensure that our rights are protected and that the problems facing our society and the world will be addressed with intelligence and courage,” affirmed board member Pedro Noguera. 

DonorsChoose is grateful for the service of these new leaders on its board of directors and their commitment to realizing our vision of becoming a nation where every student, in every community, has the tools and experiences they need for a great education.

Shan-Lyn Ma (Co-Founder & CEO of Zola)

Shan-Lyn Ma is Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Zola, the wedding company reinventing the wedding planning experience by combining compassionate customer service with smart tools and technology. Since launching in 2013, Zola has supported millions of couples on their journey from engagement to wedding and newlywed life. Zola has been named one of The Wall Street Journal’s Top 25 Tech Companies to Watch, and one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies.

Before founding Zola, Shan was Chief Product Officer of Chloe + Isabel. Prior to that, Shan was Gilt Groupe’s first Product Lead where she led key new business launches, including their successful foray into mobile.  Additionally, she was Creator and General Manager of Gilt Taste, the brand’s food and wine division. Before her time at Gilt, Shan held product and marketing roles at Yahoo. She holds a degree in BCommerce with First Class Honours from the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, and an MBA from Stanford University.

Pedro Noguera (Dean, University of Southern California Rossier School of Education)

Pedro Noguera is the Dean of the Rossier School of Education at USC. Previously he held endowed chairs at UCLA, NYU, Harvard and the University of California, Berkeley. He is the author of 15 books. His most recent book A Search for Common Ground with Rick Hess was the winner of the American Association of Publishers Prose Award in 2021. Noguera serves as an advisor to several states, school districts, foundations, NGOs and nonprofits. In 2014 he was elected to the National Academy of Education and Phi Delta Kappa honor society. In 2020 he was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Born in New York City to Caribbean immigrants, Noguera is the father of five children, and grandfather to five.

Nasir Qadree (Founder & Managing Partner at Zeal Capital Partners)

Nasir C. Qadree is Founder and Managing Partner of Zeal Capital Partners, a leading mission driven venture capital firm based in Washington, DC that invests in high-growth, early-stage businesses across the future of learning and work, financial technology and health equity categories. He guides the firm’s focus, leads investment activities, and manages post-value creation strategies for its portfolio companies. Zeal is focused on executing a differentiated investment mandate coined “Inclusive Investing™" which allows Zeal to cast a wide scope when sourcing companies, while keeping outsized returns and impact front-and-center. The firm has been touted as one of the ImpactAssets 50 for three years in a row.

Prior to Zeal, Qadree served as Associate Director for AT&T's Aspire Social Investment Fund, where he oversaw direct investments in education and employment technology companies. Prior to AT&T, he led Village Capital's US Economic Opportunity portfolio and served as its Global Head of Education investments. Qadree began his career in the public markets at Goldman Sachs and State Street Corporation. 

He’s a 2023 graduate of Kauffman Fellows, an internationally acclaimed venture capital fellowship. Qadree is deeply involved in philanthropy, through his mission to completing 51 full marathons, in all 50 states and D.C. — having already completed 19 — to raise $1 million in scholarship funding for first-generation college students. Qadree has been named a 2024 DEIC Power100 Asset Manager honoree, a 2022 Venture Capital Journal Rising Star, a 2018 Washington Business Journal 40 under 40 recipient, and a 2023 & 2024 Washingtonian Tech Titan. He has been featured on CNBC, Bloomberg, Yahoo! Finance, Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Fortune Magazine.

Outside of Zeal, Qadree is an avid vinyl collector and DJ’s 100% vinyl records. He holds a BA from Hampton University, from which he graduated magna cum laude. The Atlanta native currently resides in Washington, DC with his wife Chloe and son Myel.

About DonorsChoose
DonorsChoose is the leading way to give to public schools. Since 2000, 6 million people and partners have contributed $1.7 billion to support 3 million teacher requests for learning resources and experiences. As the most trusted crowdfunding platform for teachers, donors, and district administrators alike, DonorsChoose vets each request, ships the funded resources directly to the teacher, and provides thank yous and reporting to donors and school leaders. Charity Navigator and GuideStar have awarded DonorsChoose, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, their highest ratings for transparency and accountability. For more information, visit www.donorschoose.org.

When it comes to student wellbeing, formal academics are only one piece of the puzzle. To truly thrive, kids need to form connections with their communities, develop a sense of purpose, and learn new skills hands-on. And students can’t learn that from a textbook alone!

But there’s a powerful solution that ties all these elements together: youth-led service.

Students get the chance to take on responsibility and solve social problems, and local communities get their needs met. Students gain a sense of responsibility and an opportunity to solve social problems, and local communities receive much-needed support. In fact, a report by The Allstate Foundation and the Center for Expanding Leadership and Opportunity found that 80% of young people see the positive effects of youth-led service. 

The Allstate Foundation empowers youth to serve and improve communities by providing them with opportunities and resources, and last year they saw huge results. The Foundation funded DonorsChoose projects inspired by TIME for Kids Service Stars, donating nearly $800,000 to bring 1,816 student-led community service projects to life in 787 schools. The results were overwhelmingly positive for both teachers and students.

“At The Allstate Foundation, we believe young people can change the world — they just need the right tools and support. That’s how we can help — connecting young people to the resources and organizations to help them make an impact on communities. DonorsChoose and TIME for Kids were two partners that are perfectly positioned to help connect young people to service,” said Greg Weatherford II, The Allstate Foundation’s Youth Empowerment program officer. 

Curious about how they did it? Read on to discover how The Allstate Foundation sparked a wave of youth-led service in classrooms across the country — and learn how teachers can get students involved this year.

The Allstate Foundation teamed up with youth-focused organizations to inspire and support student-led service projects in classrooms across the country

When Greg Weatherford II stepped into the helm as The Allstate Foundation’s Youth Empowerment program officer in 2022, his mission was clear: inspire a generation of changemakers by giving young people the tools they need to serve their communities. It’s a goal near and dear to Greg, as someone who started his own service journey on his school campus when he was young, and went on to start his own nonprofit at the age of 12. Those early opportunities to give back were a catalyst for a career dedicated to service. With his own experience in mind, Greg knew that to bring this ambitious vision to life, The Allstate Foundation would need the right partners. 

First, teachers and students would need that spark of inspiration to create their community service project. Then, they’d need the resources to make those projects happen.

Leveraging the combined reach of The Allstate Foundation, TIME for Kids, and DonorsChoose to engage teachers and students

By building a strategic team of partners, The Allstate Foundation has created a unique program that both inspires kids and equips them to make a real change in their community. 

1: Give students (and teachers) the inspiration and knowledge needed to serve their community

The Allstate Foundation paired up with TIME for Kids to create Service Stars, a regular feature celebrating kids who are making a positive change in their communities. Through Service Stars, TIME for Kids features a mission each month related to community service, for example, “Fight Hunger” or “Protect Animals”. They’re fun, easy to understand, and act as a toolkit to help students — and teachers — understand how to implement these projects in their communities.

"For 30 years, TIME for Kids has empowered educators to help students understand and engage with the world around them. Now, with Service Stars, we are encouraging kids to take action in their communities and make service a priority. We're proud to equip teachers with the resources they need to show the next generation that even the smallest actions can create big impact." –Andrea Delbanco, Editor in Chief, TIME for Kids

2: Fund the resources students need to lead community service projects

Next, The Allstate Foundation joined forces with DonorsChoose to help teachers create projects requesting the resources their students would need to bring the Service Stars community service missions to life. DonorsChoose screened all projects to make sure the requested materials aligned with the community service mission, and a $500 donation from The Allstate Foundation was automatically applied to these projects once approved.

“The resources we deliver to students through the Service Stars campaign create double the impact — in addition to facilitating valuable student learning experiences, these materials benefit the broader community. DonorsChoose is proud to partner with The Allstate Foundation and TIME for Kids to inspire this powerful change.” —Alix Guerrier, CEO, DonorsChoose

Students weren’t just inspired, they were equipped with the right tools — and communities across America benefitted 

Thanks to The Allstate Foundation, 1,816 projects were funded across 787 schools, with 85% of those funded projects supporting low-income communities. With the combined powers of The Allstate Foundation, TIME for Kids, and DonorsChoose, students and teachers across the country weren’t just encouraged to partake in community service learning projects: they were provided the right tools to make an impact.

Mrs. Yokoyama’s class transformed the only non-asphalt corner of their school’s campus into a thriving food garden, nourishing the school community and giving fellow students a better understanding of food sustainability.

Ms. Dewar Dituri’s class was able to continue their tradition of putting together Valentine’s cards and gifts for veterans at the local Veterans Administration Hospital, helping students develop social-emotional skills and give back to community members in need of support and connection.

The Allstate Foundation’s unique approach of empowering youth to serve and improve communities is an incredible example of turning lessons into practice. Funding projects like these have lasting positive impacts on communities across the country, and students will continue to thrive thanks to the responsibilities and lessons learned while participating in acts of service. We’re so grateful to our partners at The Allstate Foundation for continuing to create opportunities for change!

Teachers, get involved by checking out this year’s community service missions and learning how to submit a project.

Visit our Partner Center to reach out to our team and learn how DonorsChoose can help achieve your corporate social responsibility goals. 

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The actress and "GMA" are celebrating a deserving teacher at Repertory High School of Theatre Arts in New York for the impact she has made on her students.

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Good teachers know that to learn new concepts, students need to make connections that feel personal and meaningful — and in order to do that, they need access to the right tools. When district funding isn’t enough, many teachers turn to DonorsChoose to get the learning resources their students need to make those meaningful connections. In fact, teachers at 89% of all public schools in the United States have requested materials through DonorsChoose.

The mission of Power Home Remodeling (POWER) is to realize the potential in every home, person, and community. Power for Good Foundation, POWER’s philanthropic arm, gave $500,000 and engaged thousands of employees to support 1,780 DonorsChoose projects. To get there, it took a commitment to democratizing giving to create meaningful connections, whether it was employee to employee, company to community, or donor to classroom. 

The Challenge: Unite employees across 22 locations through meaningful and impactful philanthropic work

As an exterior home remodeling company specializing in energy efficiency, POWER is dedicated to the communities where their customers and employees live and work. With 22 locations across the US, the majority of POWER employees are out in the field; the regions they serve are diverse, from Detroit to Phoenix, Long Island to Las Vegas. With such a dispersed workforce, it can be a real challenge to find a cause that engages employees at scale.

In order to activate their nearly 4,000 employees, POWER needed an issue that everyone could connect to, with a clear benefit to the neighborhoods they live in and serve every day.

The Approach: Spotlight the experiences of former teachers-turned-POWER colleagues, inspiring support for local DonorsChoose classrooms

Power for Good Foundation saw an opportunity to put POWER employees in the driver’s seat while filling local classrooms with essential learning materials through DonorsChoose. To bring that idea to life, POWER leveraged their monthly virtual town hall meeting. Their aim? Make a clear connection between DonorsChoose classrooms and POWER communities, and inspire employees to take action for positive change. They accomplished this with a three-pronged approach. 

1. Empathy Through Storytelling

At the virtual company town hall meeting in April, POWER screened a video they’d produced featuring former teachers currently working at POWER. These passionate employees talked to their coworkers about their former time spent in classrooms, emphasizing the impact of having access to the right learning resources.

2: Everyone Has A Voice

Then, in a company-wide democratic process, employees voted in real time for the resources they wanted to give local classrooms. Sports equipment, pencils, highlighters, new books: everything was on the table, and each vote unlocked a $150 donation to a local DonorsChoose project requesting that resource. POWER employees shared how they felt about supporting their communities in a word cloud.

3. Participation Makes A (Proven) Difference

Once the voting was finished, POWER funded local DonorsChoose projects based on employees’ votes. Here’s how employees voted to distribute the funding:

• 27% to sports & lab equipment
• 25% to food, clothing & hygiene
• 20% to classroom basics & art supplies
• 16% to books, educational kits & games
• 11% to computers, tablets & tech

Employees could easily make the connection between their participation and its effects on their own communities, bringing everyone together through the power of giving.

The Impact: One big, happy POWER team… and $500,000 donated to projects in POWER communities

At the end of the company town hall, POWER was left looking at some pretty impressive results. 80% of all employees participated in the town hall voting, achieving POWER’s employee engagement goals. The event ensured that Power for Good’s $500,000 donation supported classroom resources employees knew would help students in their community.

A teacher who had a project funded spoke with POWER about what it meant for her class to be funded. POWER created video celebrating the campaign's impact and shared it company-wide, strengthening the connection for employees between their participation and their proven impact.

After students had the opportunity to use their new resources, they wrote thank-you notes to POWER. DonorsChoose curated and shipped 525 thank-you notes, which were displayed in every POWER office across the US to remind employees of the impact they have on students every time they see them.

Engaging employees for a day of giving is a huge accomplishment in and of itself. And at the end of the day, it’s the connections that make the most difference: connections between employees, connections between students and community members, and connections between teachers and companies like POWER that want to invest in their classrooms. Those connections will have lasting impact, and we’re so grateful to our partners at POWER for their ongoing support of learning in local communities! 

Visit our Partner Center to reach out to our team and learn more about working with DonorsChoose.

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DonorsChoose serves teachers and students from all corners of the country, but we also know not every school is supported equally. Many Black, Latino/a, Native American students and students from low-income households are still entering classrooms without enough supplies. On DonorsChoose, schools serving these students are called Equity Focus Schools. These are places where curious kids are ready to learn and passionate teachers strive to guide their students to success, but where there is a chronic, historic lack of funding.  

Today, we’re spotlighting just 25 of the thousands of Equity Focus Schools that donors support through DonorsChoose. Take a  moment to see the amazing work these teachers and students doing!‍

1. Northwest Middle School 

Community: Chicago, Illinois

Projects funded: 112 and counting

Students served: 516 (6-8)

Teacher spotlight: “Northwest Middle School serves a diverse population of learners in the heart of Chicago's northwest side. We are a community that actively supports our student's mental, physical, academic, and social emotional needs. Your donation supports our very important work during this challenging age in a young person's life.” — Ms. Manasse, So Fresh, So Clean, and Ready to Start the Day! project‍

Bonus fun fact: Ms. Manasse was featured alongside her fellow counseling teacher Ms. Martin in Chicago Public School’s publication in 2024! ‍

2. Mater Academy East‍

Community: Las Vegas, Nevada

Projects funded: 1,903 and counting

Students served: 661 (K-11)

Teacher spotlight: “Working in a low-income environment makes it even more important to reiterate to my students that they are NOT defined by their surroundings or limitations. On the contrary, the sky is truly the limit for their dreams and goals. The tools in this project will provide proof and a subtle materialization of how valuable and important they are.” — Coach Ezra, Girl Power on the Pitch project‍

3. McKinley High School 

Community: Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Projects funded: 137 and counting

Students served: 742 (9-12)

Teacher spotlight: “It's amazing how people you do not know can be such an inspiration to others. Your altruism is a testament of the good that still exists.” — Coach Kev Grisby’s Stay Hydrated and Motivated project

Bonus Fun Fact: Martin Luther King Jr. and President Barack Obama have both visited McKinley High School. Former students have also gone on to perform in official Mardis Gras parades and become NCAA MVP’s. ‍

4. Waiakea Elementary School‍

Community: Hilo, Hawaii

Projects funded: 827 and counting

Students served: 720 (pre-K-5)

Teacher spotlight: “Our school is comprised of over seven hundred students. Each student is unique for a variety of reasons. Students range from Native Hawaiian descent to students who have recently arrived to our islands. The academic and social range of our student body is vast. Each student is special and brings diversity to our student population … My hope is to help my students build perseverance. If you fail, it is okay. Just try again. What is the problem? How can we fix it?” – Mrs. Ota, Go STEM 2024-2024 project‍

5. Florence Nightingale Middle School

Community: Los Angeles, California

Projects funded: 647 and counting

Students served: 790 (6-8)

Teacher spotlight: “Most school awards deal with GPA and test scores. This time we were able to highlight students that were being good citizens. The support of the DonorsChoose community is overwhelming and I feel so blessed to know so many people that value public education as much as you do. “ — Mr. Vasquez, Human Kind-Kind Human project

Bonus fun fact: Florence Nightingale also has an exceptional Magnet School program for students interested in science.‍

6. Lincoln Elementary School ‍

Community: Springfield, Massachusetts

Projects funded: 142 and counting

Students served: 454 (preK-5)

Teacher spotlight: “The saying goes ‘it takes a village,’ and so we thank you for accepting our village and supporting our village. Through your kindness, our students were able to be engulfed in science inside and outside of the classroom.” says Mrs. Holmes (In-Home Science Lab project). 

7. Martin Luther King Junior Elementary School 

Community: Wyandanch, New York

Projects funded: 1,046 and counting

Students served: 601 (3-5)

Teacher spotlight: “My classroom is filled with a diverse range of students from different cultures, some with disabilities, some in the process of developing their English skills, and some simply returning for another school year. Compassion is the centerpiece of our classroom and is woven throughout daily activities. “ — Mr. Barrett, Compassionate Start to Our School Year project‍

8. Wayne Township Pre-School ‍

Community: Indianapolis, Indiana

Projects funded: 1,021 and counting

Students served: 435 (pre-K)

Teacher spotlight: “Students now will be able to not only learn new things, but create projects and expand their creativity! Thank you for being a part of our DYNO-MITE EXPERIENCE!” –Ms. Canas, We Are Excited to Build and Create! project

Bonus Fun Fact: In 2018, Wayne Township’s principal was recognized by the National Association of Elementary School Principals with a “Distinguished Principal” award!‍

9. Whitewater Academy‍

Community: Charlotte, North Carolina

Projects funded: 845 and counting

Students served: 742 (K-5)

Teacher spotlight: “As a school counselor, I have a wonderful opportunity of connecting with students across the building in a different way than their teachers do. Students can come to me and not only learn but relax when needed. I believe that many relationships that I have built with my students come from giving them a safe space to go when they do not feel heard by others.” — Ms. Benton, Cool, Calm, and Connected! project

10. Focus Learning Academy - North Columbus‍

Community: Columbus, Ohio

Projects funded: 323 and counting

Students served: 657 (K-8)

Teacher spotlight: “What makes these 1st graders exceptional is not just their hunger for knowledge but their embodiment of values. Respectful, kind, and compassionate, they are a testament to the positive impact of a supportive community.” — Ms. Collins, With Your Help, We Can Nourish Minds project

11. Aloysius L Fitzpatrick Elementary School‍

Community: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Projects funded: 1,599 and counting

Students served: 847 (pre-K-8)

Teacher spotlight: “My students may be little but they have the biggest hearts and growing minds. We really appreciate all our new resources and hope to get funding for future projects.” — Mrs. Chacko, Now I Know My ABCs… project

‍12. Valley View Elementary‍

Community: Toppenish, Washington

Projects funded: 981 and counting

Students served: 454 (K-5)

Teacher spotlight: “My students are incredibly diverse, with unique talents, backgrounds, and interests. Despite facing various challenges, they approach each day with enthusiasm and resilience. They thrive in an environment where they can explore, create, and learn at their own pace. With your support, we can provide them with the tools they need to reach their full potential and shine bright.” – Mrs. Chino, Magnetic Marvels: Hands-On Learning Adventures project

‍13. Roosevelt Middle School ‍

Community: Lubbock, Texas

Projects funded: 68 and counting

Students served: 505 (pre K-5)

Teacher spotlight: “Our school is not located in a town. It is, however, the center of our community. Many people rely on it and its staff for much needed support. For several years, we have been part of a grant that provided after-school care for families that have nowhere else to turn for care while they are working.” – Mrs. Welch, Art for Our Neighborhood Kids project

‍14. Norman S Weir Elementary School‍

Community: Paterson, New Jersey

Projects funded: 1,122 and counting

Students served: 262 (K-8)

Teacher spotlight: “It warms my heart to know there is so much good in the world! ... My students feel supported and uplifted from your support. They learn how important it is to pay this kindness forward.” – Mrs. Norton, A Classroom to Be Proud Of project

15. Washington Elementary School‍

Community: Mesa, Arizona

Projects funded: 129 and counting

Students served: 463 (preK-6)

Teacher spotlight: “We are a Title 1 school with a very diverse population. You will be impacting so many different lives and we are so thankful you have taken the time to view our project. We are a very fun, silly class family that takes learning seriously and looking to change the future. With your help, we can do that.” – Ms. Manista, 4th Grade Bulldogs project

Bonus Fun Fact: The Arizona Diamondbacks’ mascot, Baxter the Bobcat, served as Washington Elementary Schools’ celebrity crossing guard during the start of a new school year in 2024! ‍

16. Lanier High School ‍

Community: Jackson, MS

Projects funded: 757 and counting

Students served: 603 (9-12)

Teacher spotlight: “Your kind donation helped transform our classroom into a more dynamic, engaging, and inclusive space, enriching the educational experience for our students with special needs.” – Ms. Jones, Creating Kindness in the Community project‍

17. Hillcrest Elementary School‍

Community: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Projects funded: 315 and counting

Students served: 520 (pre-K-8)

Teacher spotlight: “In the school site I work in, there are quite a few students who have unique struggles. We have a variety of struggles such as language barriers, socioeconomic, or at-home issues … I want to provide students with a comfortable classroom where they can thrive mentally and emotionally.” Ms. Corro, Support for Our Newcomers project

18. Joseph Hurley K-8 School 

Community: Boston, Massachusetts

Projects funded: 690 and counting

Students served: 349 (pre-K-8)

Teacher spotlight: “From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU! Your kindness and generosity means the world to me and will ensure that my students start the year off right … It might not seem like a big deal, but it really is a BIG DEAL! Please know that I will pay this forward!” – Mrs. Bourbeau, Every Classroom Needs a Communal Space project

19. Overland High School 

Community: Aurora, Colorado

Projects funded: 186 and counting

Students served: 2,161 (9-12)

Teacher spotlight: “The donation of calculators to my classroom has been the biggest impact of the year. While some of my students have their own calculator, most do not … Your generosity has made my students more appreciative of having this technology available for their use. Thank you for your gift, my heart goes out to you.” — Mr. Trevino, Math Help Without The Cost project

‍20. Woodland Acres Middle School ‍

Community: Houston, Texas

Projects funded: 278 and counting

Students served: 584 (6-8)

Teacher spotlight: “You will never fully know the impact you have had on my students' lives. My students have slowly redeveloped their love of reading throughout the school year ... Most of them have found the fun in reading again and have found themselves exploring new genres and new topics they never would have picked up before.” — Ms. Damante, Providing Approachable Books to Reluctant Readers project‍

21. Crossroads School‍

Community: Norfolk, Virginia

Projects funded: 3,050 and counting

Students served: 750 (pre-K-6)

Teacher spotlight: “I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude. Your support means the world to us and will make a significant impact on our students' learning journey … Your kindness and generosity inspire us and remind us of the incredible community we have supporting our school.” — Mrs. Hendrickson, Quiet Sanctuary project

‍22. Lowell P Goodrich Elementary School‍

Community: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Projects funded: 602 and counting

Students served: 287 (pre-K-5)

Teacher spotlight: “Our first graders are energetic, enthusiastic, and super social. They are so enjoyable to be around. They love being involved in the learning process and want to succeed. Our goal as a classroom is that we enter the classroom each day ready to try new things and be brave to make mistakes..” — Ms. Clark, Supplies Right in Reach project

Bonus Fun Fact: Lowell P Goodrich Elementary School’s teachers were included in the 165 Milwaukee-area educators who were named Teachers of the Year by the Metropolitan Milwaukee Alliance of Black School Educators (MMABSE) in 2024!‍

23. Horizon Science Academy – Youngstown ‍

Community: Youngstown, Ohio

Projects funded: 810 and counting

Students served: 389 (K-8)

Teacher spotlight: “My students were so excited to see the boxes coming upstairs in my office because they knew that they got goodies from wonderful donors like all of you … My next steps are to make after school goodie bags for my students who stay late for tutoring and need an extra pick me up and to also to make snack bags for my students that do not have a lot of extra food at home.” — Ms. Freisen, Care Closet project‍

24. Luis Munoz Marin Elementary School‍

Community: Bridgeport, Connecticut

Projects funded: 656 and counting

Students served: 710 (pre-K-8)

Teacher spotlight: “My students were so excited when I opened the package of new markers. We desperately needed these supplies … New materials always spark interest in the concepts that I am teaching. Students realize that there are many people outside of the school community that are rooting for their academic success.” — Ms. Filippo, New Markers for Math Lessons project‍

25. North Twin Lakes Elementary School‍

Community: Hialeah, Florida

Projects funded: 375 and counting

Students served: 573 (pre-K-5)

Teacher spotlight: “My students were beyond excited to use the new markers, paints, and brushes. They even invited their parents to come and see their designs as well as share in the process of creating art!.” — Mrs. Horta, Art Basics to Color Our World