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The Covid-19 pandemic created a tumultuous landscape in education for Western North Carolina students and teachers who juggled the everchanging in-person, remote and hybrid learning models. These unexpected barriers led UScellular to commit $100,000 to DonorsChoose to support teachers and their students this summer to help them prepare for the next school year. DonorsChoose is a non-profit organization that connects public school teachers with interested donors who want to support classroom projects. 

In May 2021, UScellular, surveyed parents regarding their child(ren)’s learning during the pandemic. The results showed:

• Half of parents think remote learning negatively impacted their child’s learning
• 1 in 4 parents feel their child needs tutoring over the summer
• Nearly 50% of parents would be interested in extra assistance for their child

“Parents and youth have experienced tremendous effects on education as a result of the pandemic,” said Nathan Waddell, director of sales for UScellular in Western North Carolina. “By teaming up with DonorsChoose, we’re addressing gaps in STEM education and helping educators in western North Carolina receive vital funding to prepare youth for the careers of today and the future.” 

Teachers are able to request funding for their classroom projects by visiting DonorsChoose.org/teachers. While funds last, UScellular will provide a 1:1 funding match for classroom projects that are within the regions that UScellular serves, $1,000 or less and have a Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) focus.

To provide better accessibility and equity to STEM learning, classrooms that receive UScellular funding will be in communities where 90% or more of the students are from low-income households. The $100,000 donation from UScellular will take place this summer to help teachers prepare for the return of students to classrooms in the fall, with 10% of the funding going towards projects that directly address summer school needs. According to a recent DonorsChoose survey, technology materials are in highest demand for both in-person and remote instruction. 

“Our company cares passionately about our local communities,” continued Waddell. “It’s through organizations like DonorsChoose that we’re able to build better communities and support educators who are critical to the success of youth across the country.”

About DonorsChoose

DonorsChoose is the leading way to give to public schools. Since 2000, 4.8 million people and partners have contributed $1 billion to support 1.9 million teacher requests for classroom 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 classroom, 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.

Submitted by Melissa Mcintyre