The Donors Choose matching campaign is a new opportunity to support children that was announced Thursday by the Opportunity Zone in Hamilton County Schools and the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga.  Teachers will get double the support through the involvement of the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga as the partnership with the Opportunity Zone will match all donations made up to $10,000. 

"Across the country, schools that excel can point to community involvement and participation as a key factor for success,” said Dr. Bryan Johnson, superintendent of Hamilton County Schools.  “The effort to support the schools in Hamilton County’s Opportunity Zone is a community collaboration that will impact learning for children.” 

All teachers projects will be posted online at www.donorschoose.org/hcdeopportunity; donors can browse the various projects and give to as many classrooms as they like.  Over 25 projects will be posted Thursday from teachers in Opportunity Zone schools.   

Once a teacher’s project reaches half of its goal, the Community Foundation will fund the remainder of the project.  Donors Choose will then ship all of the materials directly to the school for the teacher to use in the classroom.  Teachers will post thank you notes to donors online and donors can also elect to receive handwritten notes from the children themselves. 

“We believe that engaging our community in supporting our public schools, teachers and students is critical to student success,” said Community Foundation President, Maeghan Jones.  “The Donors Choose platform makes it easy for anyone to support a classroom in need, helping to ensure that all students have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.” 

According to Donors Choose, teachers across the United States have collectively raised over half a billion dollars to improve their students’ educational outcomes through projects posted online.  Using the platform enables teachers to meet the particular needs of their students while also igniting a passion for learning among their students.  Through Donors Choose, teachers have successfully raised funds to purchase books, microscopes, art supplies, digital technology and flexible seating for their students. 

“We know that hiring and retaining top teachers is the most important factor in improving schools, and Hamilton County Schools is excited to provide this new funding option for teachers," said Jill Levine, chief of the Opportunity Zone for Hamilton County Schools. "We are grateful for the partnership of the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga in this important support of our teachers. Supporting  teachers starts with ensuring every teacher has the needed materials to offer children in their classrooms exciting learning experiences.”