{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Alief Center for Advanced Careers","outOfStateSupporters":34.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10665551,"projectId":10639613,"letterContent":"Thank You to Our Donors for the Allen & Heath QU-5 Digital Mixer.\r\n\r\n We are incredibly grateful for the Allen & Heath QU-5 digital mixer provided through donors from DonorsChoose. This technology has made a tremendous difference in giving our Career and Technical Education (CTE) students at the Alief Marshall Center for Advanced Careers real-world, hands-on experience in live audio production. During our Holiday Market, students operated the mixer to provide live sound for our school's performances, setting up five microphones and a DJ system to support dance performers, orchestra, band, and choir presentations. Students took responsibility for managing microphones, balancing audio levels, controlling sound, and ensuring that performers could be heard clearly by the audience. They were able to apply the skills they learn in the classroom to an actual live production environment, gaining confidence, teamwork, and valuable technical experience.\r\n\r\n The QU-5 has also allowed us to expand learning opportunities beyond traditional classroom instruction. During our Elective Quest event, we transformed the mixer into a portable podcast production station where our CTE students interviewed visiting middle school students about their interests and experiences. This gave our students the opportunity to practice audio engineering, microphone techniques, interviewing, communication, and podcast production while introducing younger students to the possibilities of our CTE programs. The most exciting part for our students is having access to professional-level equipment that allows them to feel like real audio engineers and production technicians. They especially enjoy being in control of the sound, learning how to mix multiple microphones, adjusting audio levels, and seeing how their technical decisions directly affect a live performance or recorded interview.\r\n\r\n Students who have a particular interest in audio/video production, music, broadcasting, and podcasting have especially embraced this technology. However, we have also seen students who were initially hesitant become more confident as they take on new responsibilities and discover their abilities. Students enjoy rotating through production roles, troubleshooting audio challenges, working as a team, and seeing the results of their work in front of a live audience. The Allen & Heath QU-5 audio mixer is a bridge between classroom learning and real-world career opportunities. Thanks to our generous donors and DonorsChoose supporters, our students are developing technical skills, leadership, communication, and confidence that will prepare them for future education and careers in the audio, music, broadcasting, and entertainment industries. Your generosity is helping our students turn their creativity and interests into valuable professional experiences!\r\n\r\nResponses to the three donor questions\r\n\r\n1. How is the technology helping your students learn?\r\n\r\n The Allen & Heath QU-5 gives students hands-on experience with professional audio equipment used in the entertainment, broadcasting, and live production industries. Students actually operate the equipment during school events. They learn microphone setup, audio balancing, signal management, troubleshooting, teamwork, and live production techniques. They also develop communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills while working in real production environments.\r\n\r\n2. What about the new product is most exciting to your students?\r\n\r\n Students are most excited about having the opportunity to operate professional-level audio equipment and take control of live productions. They love seeing how their adjustments affect the sound of a performance and knowing that the success of an event depends on their work behind the mixer. They are especially excited about using the QU-5 for both live performances and podcast interviews because it allows them to explore different career opportunities in audio engineering, music production, broadcasting, and media.\r\n\r\n3. Are there particular students who have especially warmed to this new technology, and how so?\r\n\r\n Our audio/video production and digital media students have especially embraced the new mixer. Students who enjoy music, technology, broadcasting, and behind-the-scenes production have become more engaged and confident as they learn to operate the equipment. Some students who might not initially enjoy being in front of a camera or speaking to an audience or are limited due to a disability have discovered that they excel behind the scenes as audio engineers and production technicians. It has given them an opportunity to find their strengths, take ownership of important responsibilities, and see that their contributions make a real difference in our school community.","fullyFundedDate":1790716003350,"projectUrl":"project/on-air-anywhere-reimagining-the-porta/10639613/","projectTitle":"On Air, Anywhere — Reimagining the Portable Podcast Studio","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Goetsch","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10665551_orig.jpg?crop=1080,1080,x160,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1789939562015","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10665551"},{"teacherId":10336056,"projectId":10527790,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support of \"Student Welder Slip Lock Pliers Replacement,\" you've equipped the next generation of welders at Alief Center for Advanced Careers with the professional-grade tools they need to succeed.\r\n\r\nYour donation replaced worn and damaged slip lock pliers—essential tools that our student welders use daily to grip, clamp, and position hot metal during welding operations. These precision tools are fundamental to safe, quality welding work, and your contribution ensures every student has access to reliable, functional equipment.\r\n\r\nBecause of your contribution:\r\n\r\nStudents are learning proper welding techniques with tools that work correctly and safely\r\nOur welding program can maintain industry-standard practices and safety protocols\r\nStudents gain hands-on experience with the same quality tools they'll use in professional welding careers\r\nClass time is maximized for skill development rather than interrupted by equipment failures\r\nStudents are building muscle memory and techniques with reliable tools that respond predictably\r\nYour investment in these replacement tools directly impacts the quality of education our students receive. In skilled trades like welding, learning with professional-grade equipment makes the difference between basic familiarity and true career readiness. You've helped ensure our students graduate with the confidence and competence that employers in manufacturing, construction, and fabrication industries demand.\r\n\r\nThank you for understanding that quality tools are not luxuries—they're necessities for students preparing for high-skill, high-wage careers. Your support helps us maintain a program where every student, regardless of their economic background, has access to the equipment they need to build a successful future.","fullyFundedDate":1790627153677,"projectUrl":"project/student-welder-slip-lock-pliers-replacem/10527790/","projectTitle":"Student Welder Slip Lock Pliers Replacement","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Paulk","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10336056_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1761833285598","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10336056"},{"teacherId":10336056,"projectId":10623562,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support of \"Weld Jackets For Economically Disadvantaged Students,\" you've made a direct and lasting impact on students pursuing careers in welding.\r\n\r\nYour donation provided essential protective welding jackets to students who otherwise couldn't afford this critical safety equipment. These jackets have enabled economically disadvantaged students to participate fully and safely in hands-on welding instruction, removing a significant financial barrier that previously stood between them and their career goals.\r\n\r\nBecause of your contribution:\r\n\r\nStudents now have the proper personal protective equipment required for industry-standard welding practices\r\nEconomically disadvantaged learners can focus on developing their technical skills rather than worrying about equipment costs\r\nYoung people are gaining confidence and competence in a high-demand, well-paying skilled trade\r\nStudents are building the foundation for stable, family-sustaining careers in manufacturing, construction, and fabrication\r\nYour investment goes beyond just providing jackets—you've invested in the futures of students who are working hard to break cycles of economic disadvantage through career and technical education. These students are now better prepared to enter the workforce with both the skills and the professional-grade equipment knowledge that employers expect.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and helping us ensure that financial circumstances never prevent a motivated young person from pursuing their career dreams. Your generosity is changing lives, one student welder at a time.","fullyFundedDate":1789614676585,"projectUrl":"project/weld-jackets-for-economically-disadvanta/10623562/","projectTitle":"Weld Jackets For Economically Disadvantaged Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Paulk","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10336056_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1761833285598","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10336056"},{"teacherId":10336056,"projectId":10408402,"letterContent":"I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of a welding inspection tool to our high school welding class. Your contribution will make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and the future of our program.\r\n\r\nThis equipment arrives at a critical moment in our students' learning journey. Our grades 10-12 students are working hard to master welding techniques as part of our Career and Technical Education pathway, and your donation provides them with access to the professional-grade tools they will encounter in real welding careers. With this inspection tool, students can now practice quality control procedures, learn to identify defects, and understand the standards that govern the welding industry. These are skills that employers value and that certification exams require.\r\n\r\nThe hands-on learning opportunities this tool creates are invaluable. Rather than simply learning theory, our students can now inspect their own welds and those of their peers, developing the critical eye and technical judgment that separates skilled welders from novices. They will gain experience using equipment identical to what they will find on job sites, giving them confidence and competence as they transition into the workforce. This practical experience directly supports their path to industry certification and opens doors to well-paying careers in welding and fabrication.\r\n\r\nYour investment in these students demonstrates a commitment to workforce development and to the future of our community. The welding industry needs skilled professionals, and donors like you make it possible for us to prepare the next generation of workers with the tools and training they deserve.\r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in our students and our program. We look forward to sharing updates on how this equipment impacts their learning and success.","fullyFundedDate":1788967706810,"projectUrl":"project/high-school-welding-students-need-inspec/10408402/","projectTitle":"High School Welding Students Need Inspection Tools","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Paulk","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10336056_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1761833285598","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10336056"},{"teacherId":10336056,"projectId":10287991,"letterContent":"On behalf of our welding program and our students, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of fillet gauges to our welding shop. Your contribution is making a direct and meaningful impact on our students' learning experience and professional development.\r\n\r\nBefore receiving these gauges, our students had limited ability to independently verify the quality and accuracy of their welds. They relied heavily on instructor assessment and often couldn't self-correct until after a project was complete. Now, with these professional-grade fillet gauges in hand, our students can check their own welds against welding procedure specifications in real time—just as they will be expected to do in industry settings.\r\n\r\nThis hands-on quality control experience is transforming how our students learn. They're developing critical skills in self-assessment, precision, and attention to detail. When a student can immediately measure their weld profile, throat thickness, and leg length, they learn to make adjustments on the spot rather than repeating the same mistakes. This builds both competence and confidence.\r\n\r\nBeyond the technical skills, your donation is teaching our students about professional standards and the importance of meeting specifications. They're learning that in welding careers, quality isn't subjective—it's measurable, and they're now equipped with the same tools professionals use every day.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students' futures and for strengthening our welding program. Your support is helping prepare the next generation of skilled welders who will enter the workforce with the knowledge, tools, and standards that industry demands.","fullyFundedDate":1787174778754,"projectUrl":"project/c-clamps-for-hot-metal/10287991/","projectTitle":"C-clamps for Hot Metal","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Paulk","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10336056_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1761833285598","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10336056"},{"teacherId":10336056,"projectId":10200688,"letterContent":"I wanted to reach out and share some exciting news from our welding shop—and to thank you for making it possible. Your donation of fillet gages to our high school welding program has transformed the way our students learn and grow as welders.\r\n\r\nBefore we had these gages, students had to wait for me to inspect each of their fillet welds to determine whether they met specifications. Now, thanks to your generosity, they can check their own work immediately and independently. This might seem like a small change, but the impact has been tremendous.\r\n\r\nWhen students can inspect their welds right away, they learn so much faster. They can see instantly whether their leg size is correct, if their convexity meets standards, and whether they're hitting the specifications required in the industry. Instead of waiting and wondering, they're getting real-time feedback that helps them adjust their technique on the spot. The pride I see when a student checks their weld and realizes they nailed it—that's priceless.\r\n\r\nEven more importantly, you've helped our students develop the independence and self-assessment skills that professional welders need. In the field, they'll need to inspect their own work and know when it meets code. You've given them the tools to build that confidence now, while they're still learning.\r\n\r\nYour support means these young people are getting hands-on experience with the same quality tools they'll use in their careers. You're not just helping them pass a class—you're preparing them for real success in the trades.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and investing in their future. Your kindness is making skilled, confident welders, one inspection at a time.","fullyFundedDate":1779637368539,"projectUrl":"project/weld-fillet-gauges-for-student-inspectio/10200688/","projectTitle":"Weld Fillet Gauges for Student Inspection","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Paulk","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10336056_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1761833285598","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10336056"},{"teacherId":10336056,"projectId":10038862,"letterContent":"I'm writing to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your incredibly thoughtful donation of extra-large welding caps to our high school welding class. Your generosity has made a real difference for our students!\r\n\r\nYou may not realize it, but finding welding caps that fit students with a lot of hair or larger heads has been an ongoing challenge in our shop. Standard-sized caps often left students uncomfortable, distracted, or even at risk because they couldn't achieve a proper fit under their welding helmets. Thanks to your donation, every student now has access to protective gear that actually fits them—and that matters more than you might think.\r\n\r\nWhen students feel comfortable and confident in their safety equipment, they can focus on what really counts: learning the craft, perfecting their technique, and building skills that will serve them for a lifetime. I've already seen the difference in class. Students who previously struggled with ill-fitting caps are now fully engaged, working safely, and proud to be part of our welding program.\r\n\r\nYour support sends a powerful message to these young people: that someone believes in them and their future. Many of our students are exploring welding as a career path, and having the right equipment—equipment that fits them—validates their choice and shows them they belong in this field.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students and their success. Your kindness will be felt every single day in our welding shop.","fullyFundedDate":1778038764561,"projectUrl":"project/extra-large-welding-caps-for-students/10038862/","projectTitle":"Extra Large Welding Caps for Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Paulk","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10336056_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1761833285598","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10336056"},{"teacherId":10336056,"projectId":10075441,"letterContent":"On behalf of our welding program and students, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of batteries for our auto-darkening welding helmets.\r\n\r\nYour contribution makes a direct and immediate impact on our students' learning experience. As you may know, these batteries are essential to keeping our equipment functional and safe—and we seem to go through them faster than we can restock! Your thoughtful gift ensures that our students never have to pause their hands-on training due to dead batteries, allowing them to focus on mastering critical welding skills.\r\n\r\nThis donation reflects your commitment to career and technical education, and we are truly grateful for partners like you who understand how vital equipment maintenance is to student success. Your support helps us provide quality, uninterrupted instruction in a field where precision and safety are paramount.\r\n\r\nOur students are already benefiting from your generosity, and we look forward to continuing this important partnership.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in the next generation of skilled trades professionals.","fullyFundedDate":1776107562695,"projectUrl":"project/batteries-for-student-auto-darkening-wel/10075441/","projectTitle":"Batteries For Student Auto Darkening Welding Helmets","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Paulk","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10336056_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1761833285598","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10336056"},{"teacherId":10336056,"projectId":10066020,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of welding boots to our high school welding program. We are truly grateful for your support of our students and their futures in the skilled trades.\r\n\r\nYour gift arrives at the perfect time. Our welding class is growing, and we've been stretched thin trying to ensure every student has access to proper safety equipment. With your boots, we'll be able to outfit more students with professional-grade protective gear — a critical step in creating a safe, confident learning environment.\r\n\r\nWe can't wait to see the impact these boots will have. Our students are eager to get started, and we know that having reliable, well-fitted equipment will help them focus on mastering their welding skills rather than worrying about safety concerns.\r\n\r\nThank you again for investing in our welding program and our students' success.","fullyFundedDate":1776136570210,"projectUrl":"project/small-size-welding-boot-for-student-weld/10066020/","projectTitle":"Small Size Welding Boot for Student Welders","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Paulk","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10336056_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1761833285598","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10336056"},{"teacherId":10336056,"projectId":9866544,"letterContent":"I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of locking c-clamps to our high school welding program. Your contribution has made a meaningful difference in how my students learn and grow as welders.\r\nBefore receiving these clamps, my students were sharing equipment and waiting their turns during hands-on practice—valuable learning time was lost to logistics rather than skill-building. Your donation has changed that. Now, each student has reliable access to quality c-clamps during projects, allowing them to work more independently and focus on proper technique. They're able to secure their workpieces safely and confidently, which is essential for both safety and craftsmanship. The consistent quality of these clamps means students can develop muscle memory and precision without worrying about faulty equipment.\r\nThank you for believing in our welding students and investing in their futures. Your generosity is building skilled, confident craftspeople.","fullyFundedDate":1767191423826,"projectUrl":"project/locking-c-clamps-for-high-school/9866544/","projectTitle":"Locking C-Clamps for High School","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Paulk","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10336056_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1761833285598","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10336056"},{"teacherId":10228623,"projectId":10035414,"letterContent":"The flashlights have made a real difference in our welding program. They help us see our work clearly, which means we can weld more safely and produce better quality projects. With proper lighting, we're able to inspect our welds carefully, catch mistakes early, and work more efficiently. Students feel more confident when they can actually see what they're doing, and we're learning the right techniques from the start. These flashlights might seem like a small donation, but they're tools we use every single day and they're helping us become better welders.","fullyFundedDate":1769177479323,"projectUrl":"project/light-the-way/10035414/","projectTitle":"Light the Way","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Zachary","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10228623_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1762474666039","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-zachary"},{"teacherId":10336056,"projectId":9980793,"letterContent":"Your investment in these gloves sends a powerful message to our students: their education, their safety, and their future in skilled trades matter. Many of our welding students are considering careers in this field, and quality tools and equipment like yours help them build the confidence and competence they'll need to succeed.\r\n\r\nWe're excited about what comes next. Our students are preparing for certification exams and portfolio pieces for college and trade school applications. With reliable equipment thanks to your support, they're ready to demonstrate their best work.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and investing in their futures. We're grateful for partners like you.","fullyFundedDate":1768418022828,"projectUrl":"project/high-school-welding-gloves/9980793/","projectTitle":"High School Welding Gloves","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Paulk","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10336056_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1761833285598","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10336056"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_122417","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":800,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":88,"percentAsian":9,"percentBlack":21,"percentWhite":3,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":60,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":0,"gradesServed":"8 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR District Record","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":null},"inStateSupporters":66.0,"schoolId":122417,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Alief Center for Advanced Careers on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Alief Center for Advanced Careers","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/alief-independent-school-district/alief-isd-center-for-advanced-careers/122417"}