What is the Role of Donors in Supporting Education?
Table of Contents
Introduction
Donors play a crucial role in supporting education by investing in programs and initiatives that help students succeed academically and prepare for their future. In this article, we will explore the various ways in which donors contribute to education and the impact their support has on students’ lives.
The Importance of a Smooth Transition from Middle to High School
Middle school can be a challenging time for students as they navigate new settings, routines, and social dynamics. This transition period is crucial, as it sets the foundation for a successful high school experience and ultimately, graduation. However, many students face barriers during this transition that can hinder their academic progress.
Factors such as a changing network of friends, increased competition, and physical and emotional changes can increase the risk of students failing to graduate from high school. This risk is even higher for students from marginalized communities, including Black, Latino, and low-income households.
Providing Opportunities and Support for High School Success
Donors, particularly those involved with the United Way of Central Iowa’s Education Leadership Initiative (ELI), understand the importance of supporting students during their middle school years to ensure a smooth transition to high school and beyond. ELI has raised millions of dollars since 2004 to invest in programs aimed at supporting students in grades 5 to 9, a critical but often overlooked period.
One such initiative is the Plan Your Route event, organized under the United Wayfinders brand. This event, held at North High School, invites incoming high school students and their parents or guardians to plan their path forward to high school graduation and beyond. Students have the opportunity to explore different career options, speak with skilled tradespeople and post-secondary educators, and understand the choices available to them after graduation.
The goal of the Plan Your Route event is to encourage students who may be struggling on their path to graduation and provide them with the resources and support they need to succeed. By investing in initiatives like this, ELI donors make a significant impact on the lives of youth in the central Iowa area.
Supporting Programs for Education Success
ELI donors also contribute to nearly 20 local programs focused on supporting education success. These programs, including Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates (iJAG) and Des Moines Public Schools’ Community School Coordinators, play a vital role in helping students achieve their full potential.
iJAG is a program that helps high school and middle school students discover their talents, develop skills, and seize opportunities to achieve their personal goals. The program’s success is evident, with 97% of iJAG students graduating. Donor support, such as that provided by ELI members, is crucial to the success of iJAG as it enables students to learn about different career paths, discover their passions, and find role models to inspire their future selves.
Volunteers also play a significant role in supporting education success programs. By participating in events, visiting classrooms, or serving as student mentors, volunteers can increase students’ perception of self-worth and help them understand their purpose.
Another important program supported by ELI donors is Des Moines Public Schools’ Community School Coordinators. These coordinators serve as the bridge between the school and the community, focusing on areas such as parent and family engagement, community engagement, youth development, mental health, after-school programming, and mentoring.
By fostering stronger connections between the school and the community, coordinators help remove barriers that students and their families may face. For example, they may secure resources like furniture for families in need or provide support for students’ academic and emotional well-being. The impact of community school coordinators extends beyond individual students; they also work towards restructuring and rebuilding community engagement to ensure everyone feels involved and connected.
The Future of Education Support
Looking ahead, the United Way of Central Iowa and its Education Leadership Initiative have set goals to further support students’ successful transitions from elementary to middle school and middle school to high school. By focusing on creating welcoming and inclusive environments for students, they aim to make a positive first impression and set the stage for academic success.
Community school coordinators will continue to play a crucial role in achieving these goals. With their knowledge, resources, and experience, they bring the vision of a community school to life. Their work, supported by donors, ensures that integrated student supports, expanded learning opportunities, active community and family engagement, and collaborative leadership are prioritized within the school environment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, donors play a vital role in supporting education by investing in programs and initiatives that help students succeed academically and prepare for their future. By supporting initiatives like the United Wayfinders Plan Your Route event and programs like iJAG and Community School Coordinators, donors make a significant impact on the lives of students in central Iowa. Through their generosity, students are provided with the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive academically and pursue their dreams.
