DonorsChoose Community,
As our community has gathered this spring to celebrate 25 years of DonorsChoose, I’ve been thinking a lot about what the next chapter in American public education will look like. Changes in policies and economic factors are grabbing headlines, but less is said about the people who are undoubtedly the most important stakeholders in the debate: students.
DonorsChoose was founded in 2000 to ask a daring question… What if teachers had everything they needed to create the best learning experiences for their students? A quarter century later, despite $1.7 billion invested in classrooms through DonorsChoose, there are far too many educators still asking themselves this question, especially in the communities furthest from opportunity. Tomorrow, like every day, millions of educators will harness their wisdom, expertise, and heart to ensure every public school student can dream big and excel. Yet, far too many students aren’t getting an education that sets them up for success in our increasingly complex world.
We’re in a moment of huge disruption in how education is administered. Schools have become battlegrounds for some of the fiercest cultural debates. Many educators and members of the public are feeling confused, worried for their safety, and concerned about the well-being of school communities and marginalized students while others are cheering on a radical change in the status quo.
I am not sure what changes this debate will ultimately spark, but here is my hope: In the midst of it all — outcry, applause, and otherwise — our country’s focus will shift squarely onto the needs of all students. I know that will be our focus at DonorsChoose, especially for kids most at risk of being left behind. We can all agree that we want our kids to thrive academically and socially. Time will tell if we can overcome what divides us and emerge from this period of volatility with our collective energy focused on the potential of the next generation. I believe we can.
Each day, teachers show remarkable resilience and ingenuity, but they cannot do it alone. They need us to meaningfully commit to choosing students and not partisanship. As we continue to engage in this national conversation, DonorsChoose will remain laser-focused on helping public education champions make an impact in the areas of greatest need.
Whether through funding projects, fostering community, or empowering teachers, DonorsChoose will remain a steadfast partner to educators and students. I know our community of more than 6 million supporters will do the same – backing classroom projects, writing their elected officials, attending school board meetings, listening to students and teachers in their community, and so many other acts big and small that will keep our collective focus on students. Together, we can build a future where education is equitable, accessible, and transformative for all.
With gratitude,
Alix
CEO (& former math teacher)
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