Support educational equity for Washington, DC’s most vulnerable students and families during the COVID-19 outbreak.
The District and the nation are facing unprecedented challenges due to the current public health emergency. Public schools in the District of Columbia have transitioned to a modified operating status to support the District’s efforts to mitigate the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). Beginning Tuesday, March 24, schools launched distance learning; during this time, students will learn from a combination of online lessons, printed materials, and virtual check-ins with teachers.
While distance learning is new for most families, for many in our community it also means immediate challenges to ensure digital equity. Today, there is an urgent need to ensure that all DC students—especially those furthest from opportunity—are provided the resources and support they need to continue their education.
To help meet these needs, the DC Education Equity Fund has been established at the Greater Washington Community Foundation in partnership with Education Forward DC and the DC Public Education Fund. This fund will support Mayor Bowser in her efforts to ensure equity and excellence for all students, even – and especially – during this unprecedented time.
Funds received will be used for:
Ensuring students’ basic needs are being met so they are ready to learn
Providing students with internet and device access
Supports for students to have a successful transition when school buildings reopen with additional learning resources
*Please note that as the crisis evolves and we learn more, funding priorities may shift to meet the needs of students who are furthest from opportunity.
While a gift of any size will be greatly appreciated, the following provides examples of what your gift could provide:
$50 buys a wifi hotspot for a family without internet connectivity
$250 buys a device—a Chromebook, for example—for a student in need
$5,000 buys a classroom set of devices for students
Education Forward DC will pay for all donation processing costs so that 100% of funds raised will go to organizations directly serving DC students and families.
DC Education Equity Fund in partnership with:
Thank you to our donors:
From the People of Qatar to the People of the USA
The Andrew and Julie Klingenstein Family Fund
Terry and Lindsay Eakin
Haise and Kevin Borgmann
Melanie and Larry Nussdorf
Thank you for supporting our city’s students!