Ty Conner graduated from Hamilton County schools in 2007, and looks back on fond memories and great experiences with the teachers and schools. However, Mr. Conner said there is a need to continue to improve the district and level of education area students are receiving.
“Opportunities for students are disappearing and others are not being created solely due to scarce funding, and teachers are spending money out of their own pockets to support their projects,” said Mr. Conner.
Mr. Conner and his wife Olivia, a chemistry teacher in Red Bank, started a new venture, Hattanooga this past November designed to help fill a need. Hattanooga has a current selection of hats and can provide custom designs that support programs for Hamilton County Department of Education. For every hat purchased, a $5 donation is allocated to the district.
“There are a million reasons why companies should be donating to schools," said Mr. Conner. "Thousands of jobs that will require post-secondary degrees are coming to Chattanooga over the next few years, but our students are not leaving school with mindsets or education needed to pursue degrees.”
“We hope that by giving back to the district, we will not only help programs that are teaching students high-demand skills to continue to exist but will also encourage other local businesses to give back as well, said Mrs. Conner.
Schools and teachers can request a mini grant, and the Conners make donations as dollars are raised. The Conners announced on Jan. 11 their first donation of $500 to the Ooltewah Middle School Robotics Club.