On October 16, DonorsChoose, the nation’s leading tech platform for funding public school classrooms, is launching Quad to Classroom, a groundbreaking initiative designed to support classrooms led by graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This partnership aims to provide critical resources for Black educators, who play a vital role in shaping the future of American students.
Why It Matters
Black teachers are crucial in the U.S. educational system, particularly for Black students. Research has shown that Black students who have at least one Black teacher between third and fifth grade are 33% more likely to graduate high school. However, despite their importance, Black educators are experiencing disproportionately high levels of burnout. The combination of low pay, lack of institutional support, and the expectation to fund classroom supplies out-of-pocket contributes to the challenges they face.
On average, teachers across the country spend around $610 of their own money each year to provide essential supplies for their students. For teachers of color and those working in Equity Focus Schools—schools where at least 50% of the students are Black, Latinx, or Native American and the majority of students come from low-income households—this figure is even higher. These teachers report spending $15 to $65 more than their peers, intensifying the financial burden.
Quad to Classroom is set to address this issue by easing the financial stress for Black educators, enabling them to focus on delivering high-quality, culturally responsive instruction. The initiative will provide crucial funding for basic classroom needs like writing utensils, art supplies, notebooks, and other essential resources.
Doubling Donations for HBCU Alumni
To kick off the Quad to Classroom initiative, DonorsChoose has pledged to match $500,000 in donations made to projects led by HBCU alumni teachers during this year’s homecoming season. This boost in funding will go directly toward helping Black educators provide the best possible learning environment for their students.
In collaboration with partners like Clark Atlanta University, UNCF (United Negro College Fund), the Center for Black Educator Development, The Educator Academy, and Boys Latin School of Philadelphia, DonorsChoose is ensuring that this initiative directly benefits a pipeline of Black teachers, many of whom are HBCU graduates.
Kristina “Steen” Lyles, vice president of equity and impact at DonorsChoose, is spearheading the program and is available to discuss how Quad to Classroom will empower HBCU alumni educators and their students. According to Lyles, the initiative aims to directly impact the classrooms and communities that rely on culturally responsive education, while alleviating the financial pressure that disproportionately affects Black educators.
A Lifeline for Black Educators
This initiative comes at a crucial time for educators who have already weathered a challenging few years. In addition to the unique financial struggles Black teachers face, many of them also serve as pillars in their communities, supporting social-emotional learning and fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all students. Quad to Classroom will be a key support system, helping Black educators focus on their most important job: teaching.
As DonorsChoose and its partners prepare to launch this important initiative, the organization hopes to shine a light on the significant contributions Black teachers make to the education system and how supporting their work can lead to better outcomes for all students.