Education has taken a huge hit this year with schools going online to stop the spread of COVID. Teachers and administrators have valiantly dealt with the change in plans and continued to educate, despite their own struggles, the students’ difficulty focusing, and the general uncertainty about when things will return to normal.
In this time, the education system needs more support than ever. Check out what these nonprofits are doing to help!
Not everyone can afford a computer or tablet for each child in their household, but with school going remote, it’s becoming more and more necessary for kids to have their own devices. InterConnection provides high-quality, low-cost computers and internet service to underserved groups that need access to technology. They have a list of resources on their website to help people through this tough time, and they're still fulfilling online orders.
Children need encouragement and support outside of class to help them stay motivated to learn. Communities in Schools of Washington’s mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.
This year, they're putting on a live-streamed virtual event and auction to celebrate the strength and resiliency of the CIS affiliate network. They'll tell stories of this year’s successes and challenges, a live auction, exciting packages to bid on, and a chance to raise your paddle to show how much you care about Washington’s youth and the organizations who serve them. Learn more about the #AllInForKids fundraiser and sign up here!
LEV Foundation champions an education system that provides every student in Washington state an equal opportunity for success from cradle to career. They are passionate about equity and informing the community about the state of the public education system, and working to heal its flaws for the betterment of the students.
In the weeks after COVID-19 school closures began, League of Education Voters quickly reprioritized their work to gather critical resources for our community, present informative webinars, participate in statewide workgroups, convene partners, and engage in advocacy efforts.
They also have a resource page for students and guardians during COVID.
In the chaos of the pandemic, little attention is being given to children who might have a more difficult time learning to read and write. If a student struggles in the classroom, how much more will they struggle when they’re only one of many faces on a screen? Literacy is essential to lifelong success, and Reading Partners focuses on supporting students who are several months to two and a half years behind grade level in reading. Community volunteers step up and help students practice this vital skill.
"Working one-on-one with their tutors, students who were once trending behind in reading become proud, confident readers, excited about learning and ready for success."
In response to COVID-19, they're launching an online tutoring program, letting them partner with schools and keep serving students remotely using their evidence-based curriculum.
Many of Seattle’s children live in “book deserts,” where there aren’t any children’s books available to low-income communities. Page Ahead's mission is to help all children become lifelong readers by empowering communities to provide individualized instruction with measurable results. They’re providing resources to help equip children everywhere with the skills they need to thrive.
In response to COVID, Page Ahead has begun the "Book Oasis Project," which is aimed toward helping provide books to students without access. Using Little Free Libraries, Page Ahead aims to give children more access to reading materials in this crucial time.
The efforts of these nonprofits are helping to keep our students afloat as they navigate this trying time. Go to neddie.co to find even more nonprofits providing crucial support right now, or email us at info@neddie.co to let us know about even more efforts to help students get through this.