Providing more than $17 million to support teachers and improve learning
BROOMFIELD - Today, Governor Polis, State Representative William Lindstedt and the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) highlighted an additional opportunity for Colorado teachers to access the DonorsChoose Program funding. This opportunity was created by the Governor’s allocation of $6.7 million from the Governor's Emergency Education Relief (GEER) fund to the DonorsChoose program which provides $1,000 to teachers for classroom supplies and resources to improve students’ learning experiences. This investment builds on the extremely successful collaboration between the Colorado Department of Education and the DonorsChoose program in August, where CDE provided $11 million in federal COVID-19 recovery funding to the program.
“I am thrilled to announce the second round of the DonorsChoose program, providing more Colorado teachers with $1,000 each for classroom supplies. Whether it’s more books, new markers and crayons, science lab equipment, or upgraded technology, I’m excited to help teachers get what they need for a great school year,” said Governor Polis. “When we support Colorado’s amazing teachers, we can improve student learning and achievement.”
The DonorsChoose Program supports teachers to purchase new resources and supplies that will help students excel in the classroom. With some students working to get back on track following the pandemic, it is crucial teachers can access the resources they need to address unique learning challenges. Any PreK-12th grade Colorado public school teacher can submit project requests to the DonorsChoose program site, and eligible projects receive $1,000 while the funds last. Eligible uses of project funding include upgrading or purchasing:
- Classroom supplies
- Technology learning tools
- Instructional materials
- Social or mental health resources for students
Teachers who have previously received funding from this program are able to submit a new project request and access additional funding.
“We appreciate the governor’s support on this important initiative,” said Susana Córdova, Colorado’s education commissioner. “While we wish every teacher could start the school year with everything they need to support their students, we know that is often not the case for today’s teachers. Many teachers dig into their own pockets or get inventive to fund their classroom projects. This additional funding from Governor Polis will help hundreds of Colorado teachers enhance their classrooms and continue to reach students who have been impacted by the disruptions of the pandemic.”
Through the Colorado Department of Education’s previous investment, DonorsChoose provided $1,000 to more than 2,300 Colorado teachers. The tremendous interest from teachers across the state resulted in all available funding being distributed in just eight days. The additional state funding created a second opportunity for Colorado teachers to submit project requests and take advantage of the program. Teachers can submit their project requests beginning today, September 21, 2023, through September 29, 2023, or until funds are fully allocated.
Teachers can create an account and submit their project requests by visiting: https://help.donorschoose.org/hc/en-us/articles/16813215491095