As local schools try to balance their budgets with ever-increasing expenses, they are increasingly calling on community members to lend a helping hand. Giving back doesn’t always require huge financial investments or grand gestures. Even small, thoughtful actions can go a long way in positively impacting the lives of those around you. Here are eight simple ways to support your local school district.
1. Donate money for classroom initiatives
A recent study has shown that more than 90% of the teachers spend money out of pocket on classroom-related expenses in 2023. With inflation rates rising, teachers will likely spend at least $800 of their own money for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Your cash donation can help ease the financial burden and ensure students don’t miss out on valuable experiences in and out of the classroom. Simply contact your local school management and inform them of your intention.
2. Contribute to scholarships
Financial roadblocks can hinder a student’s educational opportunities. This deficiency is more pronounced at colleges and universities, where more than 1 90% of students still have unmet needs even after receiving Pell Grant federal financial aid.
Establishing a scholarship or contributing to existing programs ensures that deserving students in your community can pursue a fulfilling academic journey.
3. Volunteer your time
If you’ve ever cared for children, you know that you can never have enough helping hands. Volunteering your time and skills is one of the most impactful ways to give back to schools.
Helping with tutoring and mentorship programs can be just as valuable as financial donations, as knowledge provides a deeper return on investment. Additionally, these programs enable students to build a strong foundation for success by promoting a sense of purpose and improving leadership skills.
4. Provide essential school supplies
Back-to-school drives are a big help at the start of the school year. However, students do need that educational materials and other items all year round, and teachers can always use more supplies for their classrooms.
You can donate backpacks, water bottles, winter clothing and other supplies so students can complete the school year without interruption. Your donations can also help provide much-needed respite for parents and guardians facing financial difficulties.
5. Sponsor sports activities
Sporting events provide an excellent opportunity to give back to your local school district. Sports bring the community together and promote a sense of unity and camaraderie. These qualities are desperately needed in schools today, especially with the growing polarization in belief systems among younger generations.
If you’re a business owner, sponsoring sporting activities can also help you establish your brand in the community – not that this should be your main reason.
6. Organize a fundraiser
Making individual donations is great, but you can always lend your efforts to school fundraising events to raise even more money for vital facilities and programs. This usually involves selling items and donating the proceeds to the designated cause.
The key is optimizing the school’s fundraising tactics by providing incentives generate the necessary motivation to stimulate donor action. Depending on the caliber of donors and how much the school wants to raise, schools can offer things like key rings and shirts or more attractive incentives such as auction items and raffle tickets.
7. Invest in the local library
A lot of school work revolves around the internet, even if it revolves around the internet 22.2% of low-income households with children in the US do not have access. Local libraries are critical in bridging this digital divide and helping students connect with online research materials and other resources.
Donating computers, upgraded routers, printers and related supplies to the local library can significantly improve the quality of education available to students in your community.
8. Support teachers’ demands for higher wages
For several years now, teachers have been taking to the streets to protest against low wages and shrinking benefits. In January 2024 12 school buildings are closed in Durham, North Carolina, after staff staged a strike following announcements that they would receive pay cuts due to payment errors. Similar protests are taking place across the country.
If the teachers in your local district are clamoring for higher pay, support them. Walk with them, donate to their cause and stand up for their right to better working conditions. These actions may seem simple, but they can significantly affect the outcome of their demands.
Invest in your local school district
As the saying goes, “To whom much is given, much is expected.” If you’re feeling inspired to give back to your community, these methods are a good starting point. Choose one that matches your goals and motivation. Teachers around the world will appreciate your support.
Author biography
Oscar Collins is editor-in-chief of Modified, where he writes about health, fitness and more. Follow him on Twitter @TModded for regular updates on his work.
