School funding is a persistent problem in public schools, so the teachers in a Central Ohio institution have turned to crowdfunding to support its projects. Doing so has become a learning experience for the students and the teachers believe they are receiving great results from their efforts.
Tapping outside help has been done before and traditionally, teachers hold bake sales and other fund-raising activities with the students. However, with technology's help, raising funds is easier and achievable these days. The sites only need to be set up online and the links can be shared on social media.
Crowdfunding has driven teachers to pursue their goals for the kids. "That's the kind of thing that makes teaching come alive," Chemistry teacher Jeff Bracken of the Westerville North High School said, per WBNS-10TV. He and his co-teachers have come to learn setting up donation sites through the Westerville Education Foundation to receive the contributions from parents, alumni and community or business leaders.
One crowdfunding effort was able to raise funds that essentially sent students to a national competition. "We got to meet so many people and do so many cool things," said Tiffany McCutcheo, a student. "It enhanced me as a person."
Other U.S. Schools Also See The Value Of Crowdfunding
A Montana school did the same and sourced out funds from a philanthropic website that supports education. They posted a wishlist of items based on what the students need. "If it's something that simple that can get them excited about learning, then I will try to get it for them," said teacher Danielle Martinson, per KULR 8. The school continually receives the items, which they eagerly open with the children.
On the other hand, California's Overfelt High School also set up a crowdfunding drive at GoFundMe and raised $13,000. The money will be used to purchase Google Chromebooks for their students. "It was pretty amazing how it generated funds," said the school's principal Vito Chiala, via EdScoop. "That was a really good surprise to have so much support."
Is your local school looking into crowdfunding? Or have you done this already? What were the results? Let us know in the comments!
