Donors Choose was pioneered by teachers at a Bronx public high school in the spring of 2000. Charles Best, then a social studies teacher, saw first-hand the scarcity of materials in our public school classrooms and the profound impact of this scarcity on kids’ education. Looking for a way to address this problem, he sensed an untapped potential in people who were frustrated by their lack of influence over the use of their charitable donations. DonorsChoose.org, a website connecting classrooms in need with individuals who want to help, was born.
Donors Choose is dedicated to addressing the scarcity and inequitable distribution of learning materials and experiences in our public schools. We believe this inequity is rooted in the following factors:
1. Shortages of learning materials prevent thorough, engaging instruction.
2. Top-down distribution of materials stifles our best teachers and discourages them from developing targeted solutions for their students.
3. Small, directed contributions have gone un-tapped as a source of funding.
Donors Choose will improve public education by engaging citizens in an online marketplace where teachers describe and individuals can fund specific student projects. We envision a nation where students in every community have the resources they need to learn.
Lou and I feel very strongly that kids are the future of our country and our country needs strong, educated leaders and voters. Give to DonorsChoose.org today and help make that happen!