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
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