{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Jesse Owens Community Academy","outOfStateSupporters":42.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":377024,"projectId":8783370,"letterContent":"The students were so excited when they first saw the new materials—especially the counting bears and dice. Their faces lit up, and they couldn't wait to explore.\r\n\r\nThe counting bears have been great for comparing quantities while working in small groups and the dice are engaging during math centers to create addition sentences. We can't wait to finish exploring with the rekenreks! \r\n\r\nThese tools have really helped make math more hands-on and engaging. Thank you again for supporting our classrooms!","fullyFundedDate":1736903971397,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-math-building-brighter-futures/8783370/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Math: Building Brighter Futures","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Howard","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/vhoward"},{"teacherId":5461229,"projectId":9234944,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations to our classroom! Because of your support, we were able to purchase copies of The Outsiders for every student in our class. Your contributions have made a real impact—ensuring that all students can engage with this powerful and timeless novel together. It's been truly exciting to see how the story of Ponyboy and his friends has sparked deep discussions, inspired empathy, and encouraged students to think critically about identity, belonging, and resilience.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has helped create a richer, more inclusive learning environment, where no student is left without access to essential learning materials. These books are more than just pages—they're tools that open doors to new ideas, perspectives, and conversations that will stay with our students far beyond the classroom. We are sincerely grateful for your investment in our students' education and in their love of reading. 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I need to create an environment where they feel comfortable sharing with others and having their favorite snacks really helps. \r\nWithout these donations, we would not be able to offer snacks and I am not sure the program would be as well attended. Not only do snacks help to make the students feel comfortable, but after a long day at school, the girls are hungry. \r\nThank you again for supporting my afterschool program and for helping me build a safe, comfortable environment for my girls to share and and reflect. 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Sitting around talking and doing crafts provided the students a comfortable environment to share and reflect. The girls look forward to meeting and we have seen improved attendance as a result.\r\nThank you again for your support. The girls and I truly appreciate it!","fullyFundedDate":1735396745600,"projectUrl":"project/shine-bright-like-a-diamond/9003917/","projectTitle":"Shine Bright Like a Diamond","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Matthews","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6012258"},{"teacherId":8184235,"projectId":8693978,"letterContent":"Thanks for your kind donations. Our student will greatly appreciate having colored ink. They will be able to have their visual aids colored. They will be able to have colored schedules, calendars, worksheets, etc. \r\nThe students will also enjoy the other items purchased for them. They will love the treasure chest and the rewards. 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Jesse Owens Community Academy

Join the 107 supporters who believe in this school.

About this school

Jesse Owens Community Academy is an urban public school in Chicago, Illinois that is part of Chicago Public School District 299. It serves 336 students in grades Pre-K - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 15.3:1. Its teachers have had 58 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Title 1

Grades Pre-K - 8

336 Students

22 Teachers

12302 S State St

Chicago, IL 60628 View local requests

Evidence-based impact

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

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Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

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

Jesse Owens Community Academy Teachers on DonorsChoose

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Jesse Owens Community Academy Demographics

95%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

98%

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.

Jesse Owens Community Academy Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 4, 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.

Jesse Owens Community Academy

$30,117

raised using DonorsChoose

projects funded

teachers funded

107

donors

projects for basic supplies

projects for technology

projects for books

project for art supplies

Jesse Owens Community Academy has received support from 62 individuals from Illinois and 45 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.

Jesse Owens Community Academy

About this school

Equity Focus School

Jesse Owens Community Academy Teachers on DonorsChoose

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DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

Jesse Owens Community Academy Demographics

Jesse Owens Community Academy Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 4, 2025

Jesse Owens Community Academy

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