“Our goal is to ensure that every student in every community has access to the resources necessary for a quality education, irrespective of their geographic location.”
In a classroom at Dawes Elementary in inner-city Chicago, aspirations of space exploration might seem distant. Yet, with the aid of donated virtual reality headsets, students are taking a journey to Mars. This opportunity was not an option for Amani Abuhabsah-Ghusein in her early teaching career.
“I started my teaching journey with no supplies or resources,” Abuhabsah-Ghusein reminisces about her beginnings two decades ago. “I aimed to make science engaging and hands-on, but my administration informed me there was no funding available. It was disheartening.”
Her situation changed dramatically upon discovering DonorsChoose, a crowdfunding platform dedicated to easing the burden of classroom supplies. Public school teachers have the opportunity to create campaigns on DonorsChoose to solicit community support. Since its inception in 2000, the organization has amassed $1.8 billion in donations from nearly 7 million contributors, enabling Abuhabsah-Ghusein’s students to gain access to resources like LEGO sets, STEM kits, and model airplanes.
Assisting Teachers and Students in Need
Teachers often report spending their own money on essential supplies like glue sticks and tissues. A recent DonorsChoose survey revealed that half of the educators on the platform have taken on additional jobs. This out-of-pocket expense is particularly acute in schools predominantly serving students of color. A 2022 study indicated that these districts receive approximately $2,700 less in funding per student than the national average.
Educators utilizing DonorsChoose estimate they would need to invest around $1,400 of their personal finances yearly for classroom supplies without the nonprofit’s assistance. With the help of the platform, that figure is considerably reduced to $655.
“We strive for a nation where every community’s students have the necessary resources for a fulfilling education, despite their zip code,” asserts DonorsChoose spokesperson Juan Brizuela.
The organization’s support significantly enhances the lives of both students and teachers.
“I’m not sure I would remain in my teaching position without DonorsChoose,” Abuhabsah-Ghusein admits. “Now, equipped with the right tools, I experience joy, which in turn brings happiness to my students.”
Communities in Schools
“At the heart of student success lies a foundation of caring and supportive adults.”
After eagerly waiting months, 18-year-old Yarely Baltazar was ecstatic to receive the news she had been hoping for: “Congratulations!” filled her computer screen, signaling her acceptance into the University of Southern California this upcoming August. Not only was she thrilled for herself, but proud to set an educational milestone as the first in her family to attend university.
“I was shocked,” Baltazar reflected. “The acceptance rate was under 10 percent when I applied early.”
Baltazar acknowledges that her achievements were, in part, bolstered by Communities In Schools (CIS), an organization dedicated to reducing chronic absenteeism and keeping students engaged in their education. During her high school years, she received materials, mentorship, and nourishment from CIS, which has positively impacted over 2 million students from kindergarten through 12th grade across 29 states.
Enhancing Attendance through Community Engagement
According to CIS, 15 million students across the United States face chronic absenteeism. To address this issue, the organization employs trained site coordinators who collaborate with parents, school administrations, and local organizations to tackle challenges impacting student attendance, ranging from health issues and food insecurity to additional responsibilities like jobs or childcare. These coordinators also mentor students, initiate attendance programs, and establish both college readiness and life skills workshops.
Heather Clawson, the Chief Program and Innovation Officer at CIS, highlights how these efforts are pivotal, noting that 97 percent of students involved with the organization progress to the next grade. However, she emphasizes that it is the personal connections between students and site coordinators that create the most profound effects.
“Programs alone do not transform lives; it’s the relationships that truly matter,” she emphasizes. “Every student benefits from having caring and supportive adults in their lives.”
Clawson envisions a future where every student can access comprehensive support similar to what Baltazar experienced.
“It’s not just about improving attendance, behavior, and academics now—it’s about making a lasting difference in students’ lives and their communities for the long haul.”
As Baltazar continues her academic journey, she remains grateful for the assistance offered by CIS.
“I honestly looked forward to school every day,” states Baltazar. “The site coordinators provided invaluable guidance, and I trusted them completely with my concerns. Having CIS felt like being part of a family, and that support was crucial for me.”
This article was originally featured in the September/October 2025 edition of Intomodel magazine (US edition).
