DonorsChoose
In an inner-city classroom in Chicago, a discussion about future careers seems distant. Nonetheless, students at Dawes Elementary School have embarked on a journey to Mars. This is made possible through donated virtual reality headsets—an educational tool that Amani Abuhabsah-Ghusein lacked at the beginning of her teaching career.
“My initial experience as a science teacher was devoid of supplies and resources,” Abuhabsah-Ghusein recalls from her 21-year journey. “I aimed to make science engaging and hands-on, as I believe that’s fundamental to understanding. However, I was told there were no funds available, which was disheartening.”
Her despair faded once she discovered DonorsChoose, a nonprofit crowdfunding platform dedicated to securing classroom donations. Public school educators can use this platform to launch fundraising campaigns for specific resources. Since its inception in 2000, DonorsChoose has secured $1.8 billion in contributions from nearly 7 million donors, providing Abuhabsah-Ghusein’s students with much-needed materials like LEGO kits, STEM packs, and model planes.
Assisting Underprivileged Educators and Students
Many teachers have voiced concerns about spending their own money on basic classroom necessities like glue and tissues. A survey from DonorsChoose highlights that 50% of teachers reported working a second job, with financial strain particularly acute in schools serving predominantly BIPOC communities. A report from 2022 indicated that these districts receive approximately $2,700 less in funding per student than the national average.
On average, teachers on DonorsChoose estimate they would need to spend around $1,400 annually on supplies if the organization didn’t exist, a figure that drops to $655 with its assistance.
“Our aim is to create a system where every child, irrespective of their community, can access enriching educational resources,” states DonorsChoose spokesperson Juan Brizuela.
The assistance provided by DonorsChoose greatly benefits both students and educators.
“Without DonorsChoose, I doubt I would have remained in my teaching position,” Abuhabsah-Ghusein expresses. “I now have the resources, which brings joy to both myself and my students.”
Communities in Schools
When Yarely Baltazar, 18, received the long-awaited acceptance letter, her jubilation erupted—a confetti animation filled her screen and gave way to the joyful confirmation: “Congratulations!” Her excitement stemmed from being accepted into the University of Southern California this August, a milestone for her family as the first member to attend university.
“I was in disbelief,” Baltazar shared. “When I applied early, I noticed the acceptance rate was below 10 percent.”
Baltazar credits her achievement, in part, to Communities In Schools (CIS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing chronic absenteeism among students. Throughout her high school years, she received supplies, mentorship, and meals from the organization, which has reached two million students from kindergarten through grade 12 across 29 states.
Building Attendance Through Supportive Connections
Communities In Schools reports that around 15 million students in the U.S. face issues with chronic absenteeism. To tackle these challenges, the organization employs trained adults, known as site coordinators, who collaborate with parents, school staff, and local organizations to help students navigate obstacles that hinder their attendance. These challenges can range from mental health issues to food insecurity, as well as responsibilities like work or child care. Coordinators also mentor students, implement attendance initiatives, and develop college readiness and life skills programs.
Heather Clawson, Chief Program and Innovation Officer at CIS, emphasizes the significance of these initiatives, noting that 97% of students supported by the organization proceed to the next grade. However, she believes that the most transformative element is the relationship between the student and the site coordinator.
“It’s the connections that genuinely alter students’ lives, rather than merely programs,” Clawson reflects. “Every student needs empathetic and supportive adults on their side.”
She envisions a future where all students have access to comprehensive support systems akin to what Baltazar experienced.
“The impact extends beyond immediate improvements in attendance and grades; it’s about truly transforming students’ lives and, by extension, entire communities,” she asserts.
As Baltazar continues her academic journey, she remains grateful for the assistance provided by CIS.
“I looked forward to attending school,” Baltazar reflects. “The site coordinators offered invaluable advice, and I felt comfortable sharing my challenges with them. Having CIS as a supportive family greatly benefited me.”
This article was initially published in the September/October 2025 edition of Thewindowsclubs magazine (U.S. edition).
