{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Booker T. Washington STEM Academy","outOfStateSupporters":25.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9181110,"projectId":9339877,"letterContent":"This project has completely transformed the way my students experience reading. The small child-size couch and giant beanbag pillow have created a cozy, inviting corner where students love to curl up with a good book. It has quickly become one of the most popular spots in our classroom—students often ask, \"Can I read on the couch?\" or \"Can I sit on the beanbag?\" because it feels special and comfortable.\r\n\r\nThe read-aloud audio books with CDs have added a whole new layer of excitement and independence to our literacy time. My students enjoy following along in books as they listen, which helps them connect spoken words with print. For my emerging readers, this resource has built confidence and supported their language development in a fun, engaging way.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite moments was seeing a group of students snuggled together on the beanbag, listening to an audio book and then excitedly talking about their favorite part. The comfy corner has not only encouraged a love for books but also sparked meaningful peer conversations about stories, characters, and ideas.\r\n\r\nBecause of this project, my classroom now has a dedicated space that makes reading feel joyful, relaxing, and engaging. It has truly nurtured curiosity and built a stronger community of readers.","fullyFundedDate":1753926250903,"projectUrl":"project/a-comfy-corner-for-curious-readers/9339877/","projectTitle":"A Comfy Corner for Curious Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Logan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9181110_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691874685506","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ambernicolelogan"},{"teacherId":9181110,"projectId":9305404,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has truly transformed from chaos to calm! The giant rug has quickly become the heart of our classroom—we gather there every morning for meetings, story time, and group lessons. My students love having a cozy spot where we can all come together, and it has given our learning a stronger sense of community.\r\n\r\nThe fun décor and soft lighting have helped me create an inviting atmosphere where students feel safe, focused, and ready to learn. The essential oils are now part of our daily routine; my students often comment on how \"calm\" or \"peaceful\" the room feels when they walk in each morning. One of my favorite moments was during reading time when a student whispered, \"It feels like home in here.\" That simple statement reminded me just how impactful this project is for them.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, my students' reactions were priceless! They gasped when they saw the giant rug unrolled and immediately asked if we could sit together for a story. The lights and cozy touches made them say things like, \"Wow, it's so pretty in here!\" and \"This feels like a special place.\" Their joy and excitement made it clear that they feel ownership and pride in their new classroom environment.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we are beginning a project on kindness and classroom community. Having this calm, welcoming space will be essential as we work on sharing, cooperating, and supporting one another. My students are already using the rug and cozy atmosphere to practice partner work, story sharing, and small group activities.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your incredible support. You didn't just fund materials—you helped create a safe and inviting classroom oasis where my students can learn, grow, and thrive every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1746786401525,"projectUrl":"project/from-chaos-to-calm-designing-a-cozy-cla/9305404/","projectTitle":"From Chaos to Calm: Designing a Cozy Classroom Oasis!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Logan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9181110_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691874685506","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ambernicolelogan"},{"teacherId":6524608,"projectId":8791855,"letterContent":"Thank you all, again, so much for your kind support for this project! 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Students had so much fun taking the photos: posing/reposing, seeing their photos, and seeing each others' photos. \r\nKindergarten is also currently learning about portraits and self portraits, so will be utilizing them as well! \r\nThank you for your support of me and my students!","fullyFundedDate":1726787498361,"projectUrl":"project/smile-for-cameras/8791855/","projectTitle":"Smile for Cameras!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pawlicki","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6524608_orig.jpg?crop=1200,1200,x144,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1598803936697","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6524608"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_30340","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":371,"numTeachers":29,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":4,"percentBlack":64,"percentWhite":14,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":10,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"12.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":74.6,"schoolId":30340,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Booker T. 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Booker T. Washington STEM Academy

Join the 350 supporters who believe in this school.

About this school

Booker T. Washington STEM Academy is an urban public school in Champaign, Illinois that is part of Champaign Unit 4 School District. It serves 371 students in grades K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 12.8:1. Its teachers have had 68 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Title 1

Grades K - 5

371 Students

29 Teachers

606 E Grove St

Champaign, IL 61820 View local requests

Evidence-based impact

Inspire teachers to stay in the classroom and boost student achievement.¹

Give to this school

Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

Booker T. Washington STEM Academy Teachers on DonorsChoose

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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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Booker T. Washington STEM Academy Demographics

95%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

78%

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

Booker T. Washington STEM Academy Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 5, 2025

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.

Booker T. Washington STEM Academy

$44,567

raised using DonorsChoose

projects funded

teachers funded

350

donors

projects for basic supplies

projects for technology

projects for books

projects for art supplies

Booker T. Washington STEM Academy has received support from 261 individuals from Illinois and 89 individuals out-of-state.

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season! Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

Booker T. Washington STEM Academy

About this school

Equity Focus School

Booker T. Washington STEM Academy Teachers on DonorsChoose

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DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

Booker T. Washington STEM Academy Demographics

Booker T. Washington STEM Academy Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 5, 2025

Booker T. Washington STEM Academy

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.