Empowered & Equipped: Life Skills for Middle School Minds
Help me give my students the tools to build emotional intelligence, financial literacy, focus, and organization — skills they’ll carry with them far beyond the classroom.
This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because
it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.
My Project
My middle schoolers are growing in every way — learning how to manage responsibilities, regulate their emotions, make smart decisions, and prepare for the future. They’re full of potential, and I want to give them the tools to build confidence both in and out of the classroom.
This project brings together practical tools that support my students' academic development, emotional wellness, and future-readiness:
A sturdy filing cabinet to keep classroom materials, student portfolios, and handouts well-organized and easy to access.
A flexible wobble stool to support students who benefit from movement-based seating that helps them focus.
A "Setting Boundaries" card deck to spark conversations around emotional intelligence, self-respect, and healthy peer relationships.
A calculator to support problem-solving, especially as students explore real-world math and financial scenarios.
An "Investing for Kids" book and financial literacy activity book to introduce smart money habits and empower students with tools for their future.
Each of these items serves a unique purpose — but together, they create a classroom space where students feel more in control, supported, and ready to take on real-life challenges.
Middle school is a critical time for building independence and personal growth.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Berenice and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
