Hours after the final bell rings, students are still in our classroom computer lab to complete in-depth research for classes and college applications. Help us update our lab!
I work at a small public high school in Brooklyn that is committed to closing the achievement gap through rigorous instruction, strong relationships, and community involvement.
About 75% of our students are of African American or Caribbean descent, and 20% are Hispanic. Most students qualify for free or reduced lunch, enter high school below grade level in math and English, and will be the first in their family to attend college. I teach every 12th grader in our College & Career course, through which students research careers, apply to college, and complete complex financial aid applications.
My Project
In our College and Career course, students are guided through the research, application, and financial aid processes. Students start the year by completing in-depth research about careers that match their interests and personalities, mostly through online adaptive programs.
Students then complete multiple drafts of essays for their college applications. Many of my students do not have access to a printer at home, so these laptops will enable students students to draft, revise, and share their essays all online. Most college applications are entirely online now, and these laptops will enable me to review students' applications before they are submitted to ensure that they are complete and free of errors.
After applications are submitted, students must complete complex financial aid documentation online, including the FAFSA (free application for federal student aid). These laptops will allow students to complete these applications in advance of college deadlines.
As many of my students will be the first in their family to attend college, it is essential to have extra support with each step of the application process.
Nationally, only 8% of low-income students of color earn a college degree. At our school, we have quadrupled this graduation rate through rigorous one-on-one support for students and their families. These laptops will make the difference in students being able to complete essential online college and financial aid research and applications.
More than three‑quarters of 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
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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. Moldovan and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
