Note: This is a joint effort from CSP and SHARE Charlotte
Education helps define the next generation’s outcomes. – Rebecca Wofford, Executive Director of The Lunch Project, and mom of two
Education is one of the best tools our children have in creating a happy and healthy life, but some kids and families in our community need a little extra help getting that strong start – whether it be tutoring, school supplies, or just a mentor.
We’ve listed some local organizations that are doing amazing work for today’s youth – both here in Charlotte and in places around the world. Some just need financial donations; some need volunteers; and, some need a little of each. Take a look and think about how you can make a difference.
This list isn’t final! If you know of an organization that isn’t listed, please feel free to add it in the Comments section below with a link to its web site!
Education-Based Charities
The Learning Collaborative – Provides a tuition free, high quality preschool education to at-risk families through a unique partnership with our children, families, parents, staff and community. Their annual fundraiser is coming up September 16th at Myers Park Presbyterian Church. Is a free lunch to learn more about getting involved or donating. Click here for more information on the annual fundraiser.
The Lunch Project – Through school-based and individual programs, The Lunch Project encourages kids to problem solve around some of the more difficult questions facing our community and the world. They also develop and support lunch programs for schools in Tanzania.
Citizen Schools – provides programs that extend the learning day for low-income middle school children. They do this through “apprenticeship classes” taught by Citizen Teachers, who are ordinary citizens (not necessarily teachers) who teach what they know. Lesson plans and training provided by Citizen Schools.
Classroom Central – Equips students living in poverty with basic school supplies so they can focus on learning. They do this through four programs: Classroom Central Free Store, Classroom Up (the first of its kind in the country, enabling teachers to order supplies online), the Mobile Free Store and Backpacks & Basics.
HEART Tutoring – By recruiting and supporting volunteers as they work with students at Title I schools on math skills, HEART has been able to see measurable improvements in student performance. Tutoring is done one-on-one, and you don’t need to be a math whiz!
A Child’s Place – specifically works to erase the effects of homelessness on children and their education by providing support outside the classroom. This takes the form of lunch/breakfast buddies, backpack programs, and more.
Communities in Schools – provides a safety net of support for our most vulnerable student populations by addressing the physical, emotional, and academic needs of students, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. An affiliate of the national Communities In Schools network, CIS of Charlotte-Mecklenburg serves 6,500 students annually in 45 high-need Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools who are most at-risk for dropping out.
Smart Start of Mecklenburg County – Identifies, funds, and evaluates programs for children that prepare them for success in kindergarten and beyond. This group is partially funded by the government AND private donations.
Freedom School Partners – works throughout Charlotte serving K-8th grade public school children most in need of summer programming to prevent summer learning loss, but who can least afford it.
