Fenty, Reinoso Announce Partnership to Support Education Reform

Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and Deputy Mayor Victor Reinoso today announced a partnership with DonorsChoose.org, an innovative program designed to connect district teachers and students with local philanthropists. DonorsChoose.org puts individuals directly in touch with teachers seeking support for educational tools ranging from school supplies to field trips. Since the start of the school year, 28 District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) have received over $137,000.

“I am excited about this partnership with DonorsChoose.org because it provides an opportunity for individuals to review teacher proposals, fund projects, and see firsthand, how exactly their money is spent,” said Mayor Fenty.

“This partnership encourages innovative teaching by providing a simple way to fulfill small, teacher-directed needs,” said Deputy Mayor Victor Reinoso. “This exciting opportunity will help bring more resources to the city’s teachers and students.”

DonorsChoose.org invites teachers to submit a proposal for school supplies and projects that support the healthy development of students. Individual donors can search teacher proposals on the DonorsChoose.org website by areas of interest, learn about the classroom needs, and fund projects that they find most compelling. Students and teachers have a direct connection with their donors and often send thank you letters along with photographs of the projects.

Donations are most commonly given to fund literacy, history projects, math and science. Over 70 percent of the projects funded are for schools with 40 percent or higher free/reduced lunch programs. To date, DCPS has acquired 2,351 donors in 46 states. Donations range from $50 to $3800.