{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Ben Davis University High School","outOfStateSupporters":38.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8184724,"projectId":9815441,"letterContent":"Thank you, once again, for making \"Stress Relief, Encouragement and Nourishment Through Final Exam Care Kits\" a resounding success at Ben Davis University High School in Indianapolis. Every single student received their care kit the day before finals began in December. They were immediately excited and somewhat stunned to know how much their National Honor Society, as well as organizations, anonymous donors and countless others cared about their readiness and success.\r\n\r\nAs a teacher at BDU, it was fun to see students entering my classroom for their exam with, not only their essential classroom items, but also their comfort items. Some were even trading their new mechanical pencils for a color of their choice, sharing their fruit snacks or nervously rolling their scented play dough in their hand. Water bottles were poised on their desk to quench their thirst amidst the stress and peppermint wrappers were crinkling as they popped the candy into their mouth to clear their mind and focus on the task at hand.\r\n\r\nThe most satisfying thing about this project is that even today, a month into the second semester of class, you can still see students using their gifted pencils and rolling their play dough between their fingers while gaining new knowledge in a new semester. Thank you again. We could not do it without the generosity of our donors","fullyFundedDate":1764728821616,"projectUrl":"project/stress-relief-encouragement-and-nourish/9815441/","projectTitle":"Stress Relief, Encouragement and Nourishment Through Final Exam Care Kits","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Chandler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8184724_orig.jpg?crop=300,300,x0,y50&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699455016935","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/bdu-mr-chandler"},{"teacherId":10276388,"projectId":9752833,"letterContent":"My junior dual-credit biology students are excited to use the materials we received from our Donors Choose grant, \"Bringing Biology to Life\". We are studying the diversity of life, focusing on the six kingdoms. By providing a variety of preserved animals, students are able to dissect and examine specimens, identifying anatomical structures and compare the unique features of different phyla. They also were able to see preserved specimens from a variety of animal phyla that they would not have access to in their daily life, visualizing how animals can be classified. Unfortunately, some of the preserved specimens were out of stock, but there are so many hands-on explorations that we needed equipment in order to implement exciting lessons. We are using the plastic concave slides to observe homeostasis in Daphnia (water fleas) under microscopes. A large part of their dual-credit requirement is a critical thinking project about epidemiology and \"Typhoid Mary\". By purchasing phenolphthalein, we were able to do an infectious diseases simulation where students had to collect data to determine Patient Zero. We also were able to use the nutrient agar plates to swab a variety of places in the school, then inoculate the plates for bacterial growth. The culmination of this sequence of labs was to measure the effectiveness of antibiotics by using the antibiotic disks provided. The equipment allowed my biology students to be scientists - following multi-step procedures, collecting data, and drawing conclusions using critical thinking skills. The plant seeds will be used next month to allow them to conduct experiments on germination, growth, and genetic variation, providing a foundation for future coursework and research.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, my highly motivated students—who are diligently working toward an associate's degree upon high school graduation—will now be able to move beyond the textbook and truly experience the living world through hands-on laboratory work. Your donation has successfully transformed our abstract ideas into concrete, exciting scientific experiences.\r\n\r\nOur course is designed to be rigorous, preparing students for future postsecondary paths and careers in health science. The materials you funded, including the preserved animal dissection specimens and plant seeds for experimentation, will allow us to achieve crucial goals:\r\n*Deepening Understanding: Students will gain a direct, firsthand understanding of the diversity of life, observing specimens from a variety of animal phyla and using real organisms for discovery learning.\r\n*Developing Essential Skills: They will develop critical laboratory skills, including careful observation, accurate dissection, data collection, and experimental design.\r\n*Inspiring Future Scientists: Most importantly, they will experience the excitement of scientific discovery and see that their curiosity and hard work are valued.\r\n\r\nThese hands-on activities are vital for bridging the gap between classroom theory and real-world application. By identifying anatomical structures and comparing the unique features of different phyla, my students will be better prepared for the rigors of college-level science courses and future careers in STEM.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for making this possible and for showing my students that their ambitious academic path is supported by an incredible community. You have truly given them the opportunity to make incredible memories of exciting labs and to prepare them for lasting success.","fullyFundedDate":1758850946195,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-biology-to-life/9752833/","projectTitle":"Bringing Biology to Life","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Winsor","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10276388_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758763509043","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10276388"},{"teacherId":1412598,"projectId":8786211,"letterContent":"The supplies for Bob Ross club have been welcomed by my students. They appreciate the support shown for their artistic endeavors. \r\n\r\nBecause of your support students who might not get the opportunity to create and do art get that chance. As seen in the photos there is no requirement to paint Bob Ross style. The only requirement is to paint and do the best you can. \r\n\r\nJust like Bob Ross believed everyone has an artist within them, you are helping unlock student potential. Than you again for your help.","fullyFundedDate":1726689240708,"projectUrl":"project/making-happy-mistakes-on-canvas/8786211/","projectTitle":"Making Happy Mistakes on Canvas","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Christianson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1412598_orig.jpg?crop=993,993,x0,y82&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1613499110658","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-christiansontcsc"},{"teacherId":5869181,"projectId":8969313,"letterContent":"Your contributions have transformed our counseling office, providing vital resources for students' emotional growth. The books and workbooks, like \"Stuff That Sucks,\" have introduced essential skills in emotional regulation and resilience. We see students actively engaging with these materials, applying strategies to their lives. Activity guides, sensory items, and the Instax camera have made our sessions interactive and engaging, allowing students to practice communication, manage anxiety, and celebrate successes.\r\n\r\nYour impact is significant. Students who struggle to express emotions now do so more comfortably and calmly use our new tools. The sensory items have been particularly helpful for managing anxiety, and the Instax camera allows us to capture and celebrate milestones. Your support has created a safe, empowering space, equipping our students with the tools they need to thrive. Thank you for believing in their potential.","fullyFundedDate":1733275114442,"projectUrl":"project/revamping-counseling-spaces-for-student/8969313/","projectTitle":"Revamping Counseling Spaces for Student Wellness & Growth","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cordes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5869181_orig.jpg?crop=1112,1112,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1616000300311","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5869181"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_94229","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":375,"numTeachers":19,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":33,"percentWhite":23,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":40,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"10 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"19.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":61.5,"schoolId":94229,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Ben Davis University High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Ben Davis University High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/indiana/msd-of-wayne-township/ben-davis-university-high-school/94229"}
Join the 161 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Ben Davis University High School is
an urban public school
in Indianapolis, Indiana that is part of MSD of Wayne Township.
It serves 375 students
in grades 10 - 12 with a student/teacher ratio of 19.7:1.
Its teachers have had 50 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Share and help support Ben Davis University High School
Boost support for this school! Share this page with friends, family, alumni, and fellow supporters. Every connection helps teachers get the supplies they need and shows how much your community cares about its students.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for public school teachers.
Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.
of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
73%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
Ben Davis University High School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Feb 8, 2026
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
Ben Davis University High School
$25,228
raised using DonorsChoose
50
projects
funded
17
teachers
funded
161
donors
8
projects
for
basic supplies
3
projects for
books
14
projects
for
art supplies
Ben Davis University High School has received support from
99 individuals from Indiana and
62 individuals out-of-state.
