{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Chicago Vocational Career Academy","outOfStateSupporters":31.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":125837,"projectId":9698271,"letterContent":"Since adding the bird feeder camera to our makerspace, students have had a new way to observe the natural world in real time—right from inside a STEM classroom. The live stream has become a tool for inquiry: students watch patterns of behavior, track species visits, and ask authentic questions that lead to research, data collection, and discussion. Instead of learning about ecosystems only through text or videos, students are engaging with a living system they can return to daily, building observation skills and scientific thinking in a very tangible way.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students most is that the camera turns something familiar—birds outside a window—into something interactive and meaningful. The live feed feels immediate and shared; students check it between activities, reference it during lessons, and even debate what they're seeing. Because the stream runs continuously, it naturally supports student ownership: they decide when to observe, what to notice, and which questions are worth investigating further. It's become a quiet anchor in the room that invites curiosity rather than demanding attention.\r\n\r\nThe impact has been especially strong for students who don't always jump in right away during traditional lessons. Some of our quieter students gravitate toward the camera, using it as a low-pressure entry point into discussion and collaboration. Others who struggle with focus find that the real-world connection helps ground their thinking. The bird feeder camera has created a shared experience that blends STEM, literacy, and observation—and it's helping our makerspace feel like a place where learning starts with curiosity.\r\n\r\nThank you for making this experience possible.","fullyFundedDate":1757544446712,"projectUrl":"project/a-window-to-the-wild/9698271/","projectTitle":"A Window to the Wild","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Anders","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp125837_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723058376765","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/andersatcvca"},{"teacherId":125837,"projectId":9698230,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of LEGO materials to our makerspace and LEGO Club. Because of your support, our classroom has become an even more engaging, creative, and collaborative space for students.\r\n\r\nSince receiving the LEGOs, students have been using them daily in both structured lessons and open-ended exploration. In our makerspace, students are designing and prototyping solutions to real-world problems—such as building earthquake-resistant structures, creating mechanical linkages, and modeling engineering concepts like force, stability, and iteration. In LEGO Club, students collaborate in teams to plan, test, redesign, and present their builds, developing both technical and communication skills. One standout moment was watching a group redesign their structure three times after testing failures—each time more determined and excited to improve.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the LEGO donation, their reaction was immediate and unforgettable. There were gasps, smiles, and lots of \"Can we start right now?\" Many students who are usually quiet or hesitant in class jumped right in, eagerly sorting pieces and brainstorming ideas. The LEGOs created a welcoming entry point for all learners, especially those who thrive with hands-on, visual, and collaborative work.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, students are now moving into more advanced projects. Next, they'll be integrating LEGO builds with engineering challenges, design constraints, and reflection activities tied to our STEM curriculum. Students will document their design process, test and refine their ideas, and even mentor peers during LEGO Club sessions. These resources are helping students build confidence, problem-solving skills, and a genuine love of learning.\r\n\r\nYour donation didn't just provide materials—it opened doors to creativity, teamwork, and innovation. Thank you for giving our students the opportunity to imagine, build, and grow.","fullyFundedDate":1757544447031,"projectUrl":"project/building-brilliance-one-brick-at-a-time/9698230/","projectTitle":"Building Brilliance, One Brick at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Anders","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp125837_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723058376765","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/andersatcvca"},{"teacherId":6927804,"projectId":9719518,"letterContent":"I want to extend my sincerest gratitude for your generous support and belief in my students. Because of your contributions, our classroom has become a more engaging, inspiring, and inclusive learning environment where students can truly see themselves in the stories they read and the projects they create.\r\n\r\nYour donations helped provide access to meaningful literature, technology tools, and classroom resources that empower my students to think critically, collaborate creatively, and connect their learning to the world around them. Many of them have expressed how these materials make reading and writing feel more relevant and exciting. For some, it's the first time they've seen characters, authors, or themes that reflect their own experiences — and that connection has sparked confidence and curiosity that extends far beyond the classroom walls.\r\n\r\nEvery day, I see students who are more motivated to participate, more eager to share their ideas, and more confident in their abilities. Your generosity has made that possible. Thank you for investing in their growth, their voices, and their futures.","fullyFundedDate":1759863997011,"projectUrl":"project/building-identity-through-literature-ki/9719518/","projectTitle":"Building Identity Through Literature: Kindred in the Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Reid","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6927804_orig.jpg?crop=288,288,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758048727386","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6927804"},{"teacherId":7810928,"projectId":9607005,"letterContent":"Thank you for the Elegoo Arduino Kits! They are having a huge impact here at Chicago Vocational High School. Our students in our 3 robotics classrooms are using the kits daily to learn about electronics, robotics, programming, wiring, logic, and teamwork.\r\n\r\nStudents have learned how to wire up buttons and LEDs and the piezo buzzer to play simon. Students have learned how to program motors to start and stop when buttons are pressed. Students have learned how to program the infrared controller to drive a robot car. They love all the projects and feel so happy when they achieve their goals!\r\n\r\nStudents are also getting to use their creativity as they make different designs and figure out which components to use for different purposes. It's great to see their creativity and teamwork in action as they learn. Their experience will guide them well in robotics or in any field they choose. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1755827944118,"projectUrl":"project/robotics-for-all-amazing-building-and-p/9607005/","projectTitle":"Robotics For All: Amazing Building and Programming Activities for Students","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Rodgers","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7810928"},{"teacherId":9747642,"projectId":9310758,"letterContent":"I want to sincerely thank you for your generosity in providing a space where my students can gather. Because of your support, they now have a welcoming environment to hang out, hold reading meetings, and even enjoy their lunch together.\r\n\r\nThis space is already making a difference—it gives students a sense of community and belonging while also encouraging them to engage more deeply in their reading and learning. Your contribution has created not just a physical space, but also an opportunity for connection, collaboration, and growth.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of my students and myself, thank you for helping us build this special place. We are truly grateful for your kindness and investment in their success.","fullyFundedDate":1746715779132,"projectUrl":"project/lets-hang-in-the-reading-cafe/9310758/","projectTitle":"Let's Hang in the Reading Cafe!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Franklin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9747642_orig.jpg?crop=1508,1508,x0,y20&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746212346882","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9747642"},{"teacherId":3099709,"projectId":9444770,"letterContent":"Thank you so, so much for your generous donations! My students and I were so excited to receive the project materials, and they definitely arrived right on time for the first wave of back-to-school colds.\r\n\r\nNot only have we been able to use the sanitizing materials to prevent the spread of germs, but we have also been incorporating them into our classroom jobs! My students are learning life skills to increase their independence, and wiping desks down and passing out hand sanitizer throughout the school day have been skills they are learning.\r\n\r\nNone of this would be possible without your help, and we are very grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1755713908501,"projectUrl":"project/lets-thrive-in-sy25/9444770/","projectTitle":"Let's Thrive in SY25","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McCormack","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3099709_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1601997885195","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msmeganmccormack"},{"teacherId":125837,"projectId":8711825,"letterContent":"On behalf of our students and staff, I want to sincerely thank you for your generous donation of a color printer for our makerspace. Before receiving this incredible gift, our students lacked access to high-quality printing for their projects, which limited their ability to bring their ideas to life. Now, thanks to your support, they can fully realize their creativity and take their work to the next level.\r\n\r\nTechnology in education isn't just about convenience—it's about providing students with the tools to express themselves, solve problems, and prepare for the future. The color printer has already made a significant impact in our makerspace by allowing students to create vibrant game boards for a service-learning project, enhancing the experience for those they are helping. It has also been a game-changer for students preparing for a recent job fair, as they were able to design and print professional business cards, giving them a sense of confidence and pride in their presentation.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting thing for our students is the ability to see their ideas come to life in full color. Whether they're designing posters, creating visual prototypes, or refining presentations, having access to professional-quality printing makes their work feel more polished and meaningful. They take greater ownership of their projects, knowing they can produce something that looks as impressive as their effort deserves.\r\n\r\nSome students have especially embraced the new technology, including one who had never designed anything digitally before but was inspired to create a board game from scratch, knowing they could print it in high quality. Another student, who was nervous about networking at the job fair, felt a boost of confidence after designing and printing their own business cards—something they never thought they'd have access to before.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has not only provided a tool for learning but has also created opportunities for students to build skills, confidence, and pride in their work. We are incredibly grateful for your support and the difference you've made in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1733519987023,"projectUrl":"project/seeing-the-world-in-color/8711825/","projectTitle":"Seeing the World in Color","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Anders","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp125837_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723058376765","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/andersatcvca"},{"teacherId":125837,"projectId":8581998,"letterContent":"I want to personally thank you on behalf of myself and my students for your generous donation of a video game system to our Esports team. Your support has made a significant impact on our students, providing them with an opportunity they wouldn't have had otherwise.\r\n\r\nTechnology plays a huge role in education today, and for our esports team, it's more than just playing games—it's about teamwork, strategy, and problem-solving. The video game system you provided has allowed our students to practice in a competitive environment, develop critical thinking skills, and build camaraderie in a way that wasn't possible before.\r\n\r\nOne of the most exciting aspects for our students is finally having access to equipment that allows them to compete! They are thrilled to have a setup that is beginning to mirror what they see in professional esports, and it's inspiring them to take their gameplay and teamwork to new heights.\r\n\r\nWe've seen some incredible moments already. One student, who was hesitant to join at first due to a lack of experience, has grown into a key team player thanks to the opportunity to practice with the new system. Another student, who previously struggled with confidence, has taken on a leadership role in strategizing for matches. The impact goes beyond gaming—it's helping them develop real-world skills like communication, perseverance, and collaboration.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has not only provided equipment but also opened doors for students who might not have otherwise found a place where they truly belong. On behalf of our entire team, thank you for believing in them and supporting their growth.","fullyFundedDate":1728155340168,"projectUrl":"project/fund-our-esports-team/8581998/","projectTitle":"Fund Our Esports Team!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Anders","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp125837_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723058376765","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/andersatcvca"},{"teacherId":9747642,"projectId":8999867,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredibly kind food donation for our classroom! Your generosity truly brightened our day. Some of our students take the school bus and can't make it to school on time, and it's nice to know that we have some food and snacks for them.\r\n\r\nThe students were thrilled and thoroughly enjoyed the ramen and snack boxes sent to us. It made a real difference in creating an energetic learning space since the students weren't hungry. \r\n\r\nWe appreciate your support and your thoughtfulness in providing this wonderful treat. Your kindness means a lot to us.","fullyFundedDate":1734928346238,"projectUrl":"project/food-for-success/8999867/","projectTitle":"Food for Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Franklin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9747642_orig.jpg?crop=1508,1508,x0,y20&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746212346882","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9747642"},{"teacherId":9747642,"projectId":8986640,"letterContent":"On behalf of my ESL students and myself at Chicago Vocational Career Academy, I would like to express our sincere gratitude for your generous donation of bilingual books for our English as a Second Language (ESL) students.\r\n\r\nYour thoughtful gift will significantly impact our students' learning journey. These books will enhance their language acquisition skills and foster a deeper appreciation for their native languages and cultures, creating a more inclusive and supportive learning environment.\r\n\r\nYour bilingual resources will be invaluable tools, allowing me to better support my students in developing their English proficiency while maintaining a strong connection to their linguistic heritage. I'm excited to see the positive effects these books will have on our student's academic progress and overall confidence.","fullyFundedDate":1733519987041,"projectUrl":"project/lets-start-reading/8986640/","projectTitle":"Let's Start Reading!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Franklin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9747642_orig.jpg?crop=1508,1508,x0,y20&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746212346882","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9747642"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5575","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":568,"numTeachers":48,"percentFrplEligible":85,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":94,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":4,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"11.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":68.4,"schoolId":5575,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Chicago Vocational Career Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Chicago Vocational Career Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/chicago-vocational-career-acad/5575"}