{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Richards Career Academy","outOfStateSupporters":41.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6797396,"projectId":9298631,"letterContent":"Your generous donations have made a tremendous difference for our student-athletes. Every piece of equipment, every uniform, and every resource you have provided has helped them feel pride and confidence in representing our school. Wearing their uniforms is more than just clothing .\r\n\r\nThanks to your support, our athletes are able to train, compete, and grow both on and off the field. They are developing important life skills such as discipline, perseverance, and leadership, and your contributions play a direct role in that growth. The impact you have made in the lives of these young men cannot be overstated — you are helping shape not only athletes, but confident, motivated, and responsible individuals who will carry these lessons far beyond the soccer field.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of our hearts, thank you once again for believing in our students and supporting their journey. Your generosity inspires them to work harder, dream bigger, and continue striving for success in every aspect of their lives.","fullyFundedDate":1746582560102,"projectUrl":"project/leveling-the-field-gear-up-our-student/9298631/","projectTitle":"Leveling the Field: Gear Up Our Student Athletes","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Rodriguez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6797396_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1697636935542","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6797396"},{"teacherId":8576276,"projectId":9333690,"letterContent":"Our boys and girls soccer teams are so excited to be using the new equipment! One of the first things we did was set up a scrimmage during practice, and the players were thrilled to finally have enough equipment and gear for everyone to participate at the same time. Watching them work on their passing, cheering each other on, and playing a full match with smiles on their faces was such a great moment. The new resources are already building their confidence and team spirit, and we can't wait to see how much they'll grow this season.","fullyFundedDate":1749434185349,"projectUrl":"project/one-team-un-sueo-soccer-uniforms-for/9333690/","projectTitle":"One Team, Un Sueño: Soccer Uniforms for All","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lopez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8576276"},{"teacherId":10055899,"projectId":9412594,"letterContent":"On behalf of Richards Football team and More Than Game, we want to sincerely thank you for your generous support of our program. Your contribution makes a meaningful difference in the lives of the students and families we serve.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, we are able to have the proper equipment for are team and more importantly safety equipment for are players. Your generosity helps us continue our mission to help the youth in are community to grow.\r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful for your partnership and belief in our work. Together, we are building opportunities that create lasting impact.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your support — we couldn't do this without you!","fullyFundedDate":1750877314540,"projectUrl":"project/more-than-a-game-empowering-youth-throu/9412594/","projectTitle":"More Than a Game: Empowering Youth Through Football","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Stewart","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10055899_orig.jpg?crop=2010,2010,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749820956767","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10055899"},{"teacherId":6797396,"projectId":9571069,"letterContent":"We recently received our brand new soccer uniforms, and the team could not be more excited! The students had been hoping for new jerseys for a while, so when the boxes arrived, their reaction was priceless. They immediately tried them on, smiling and talking about how proud they felt to finally represent our school in matching gear. The new uniforms gave them an instant sense of unity, boosted their confidence, and made them even more eager to start the season.\r\n\r\nWe'll be uploading pictures as soon as we take our first team photos and play our first game of the season. The next step for our students is stepping onto the field together, wearing their uniforms with pride, and showing off all the hard work they've put into preparing. These uniforms are more than just jerseys—they're helping to build team spirit, motivation, and a sense of belonging that will carry through the season.","fullyFundedDate":1755807053815,"projectUrl":"project/warriors-new-uniforms-new-goals/9571069/","projectTitle":"Warriors: New Uniforms, New Goals!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Rodriguez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6797396_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1697636935542","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6797396"},{"teacherId":8576276,"projectId":9042998,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our girls' soccer team is stepping onto the field with pride, unity, and a renewed sense of purpose. For many of our players, this is the first time they've ever had a matching uniform something so simple, yet so powerful.\r\n\r\nWe are a small but fierce team at a low-income high school where resources are limited, but spirit is never in short supply. Before receiving these uniforms, our girls played in mismatched gear, often feeling overlooked and disconnected. Now, when they walk onto the field, they walk tall. \r\n\r\nThese uniforms have done more than just improve our appearance they've elevated our confidence, and our performance. Players are showing up early to practice, encouraging one another more, and believing in themselves in new ways. You've given them the pride of representation, and it shows in every pass, goal, and high-five.","fullyFundedDate":1745416812769,"projectUrl":"project/drive-for-victory-support-our-soccer-pl/9042998/","projectTitle":"Drive for Victory: Support Our Soccer Players","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lopez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8576276"},{"teacherId":9351683,"projectId":9153206,"letterContent":"By Donating to this project you help our Cheer Team have the ability to perform to their highest potential! All the equipment that we received will help our Cheer Team prepared to perform safely at school basketball games and school wide events. We have started to use the gymnastics Mat to benefits for cheerleaders, practicing tumbling and stunts. Knowing how to learning how to learn a soft landing, and absorbing the impact from jumps. We have done basic rolls, handstands, and cartwheels. we have a lot of more work to do.\r\n\r\n The Warriors Cheer team was so overwhelmed gratitude for the new Cheer Team materials that we received for our 2025 school year for sports. The smile on they faces were priceless. Also the new cheer equipment created an atmosphere of enthusiasm, motivating them to strive for new levels of performance and skill development. Our next project are all about maximizing its use to enhance skill development, foster teamwork, and prepare for upcoming performances or competitions.","fullyFundedDate":1746627772708,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-our-warriors-cheerleaders-es/9153206/","projectTitle":"Empowering Our Warriors Cheerleaders: Essential Material Needed","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Smith","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9351683_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754836521490","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9351683"},{"teacherId":6797396,"projectId":8911993,"letterContent":"We want to sincerely thank you for helping make our boys' and girls' varsity soccer programs feel like one united family. Your support, including the backpacks and training equipment, has played a huge role in our success both on and off the field. These resources have not only helped us perform better in games but have also been essential during practices, allowing us to train more effectively and prepare for competition.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has created a positive impact on our student-athletes, making them more excited and motivated to show up to practice every day. Thanks to your contributions, both teams have grown stronger and achieved the incredible milestone of becoming conference champions. We are so grateful for everything you've done to support our programs and help our players succeed!","fullyFundedDate":1733280972612,"projectUrl":"project/lets-have-soccer-practice-anywhere-we-c/8911993/","projectTitle":"Let's Have Soccer Practice Anywhere We Can","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Rodriguez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6797396_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1697636935542","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6797396"},{"teacherId":7969590,"projectId":8801037,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation to the Richards Career Academy drumline program. Having bass drums in a drum line is crucial to having a balanced, proper drum line. My drum line students performed at our semester showcase this past December. They did so well that the entire school community that was in attendance was talking about it for the rest of the week. Teachers and students alike. This group happens to be incredibly diverse which made a lasting impact on a lot of the staff that works with these students. We couldn't have done it without you.","fullyFundedDate":1728854087463,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-the-bass-to-the-line/8801037/","projectTitle":"Bringing the Bass to the Line","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Konieczko","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7969590_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746705875641","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/rca-music"},{"teacherId":7969590,"projectId":8681905,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting the Richards Career Academy Jazz Ensemble's initiative to bring culture into the music that we play. With a set of congas we're able to better capture the cultural essence of Latin jazz. Diversifying musical instruction and making sure students understand the culture behind the music that they learn and play is a crucial part in learning any kind of music but specifically any kind of Latin jazz. This is part of an ongoing project to reintegrate music into the Richards community and we couldn't have made this important step forward without your help. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1726684746784,"projectUrl":"project/creating-multi-cultural-sounds-in-jazz/8681905/","projectTitle":"Creating Multi-Cultural Sounds in Jazz","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Konieczko","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7969590_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746705875641","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/rca-music"},{"teacherId":7969590,"projectId":8755860,"letterContent":"This project is a small part of a greater goal to build out a proper drum line. Music at Richards Career Academy is in its revival stage. Having not had music here for over the last decade, the marching band's debut at our semester showcase gripped the audience by storm. A diverse group of students putting on an impressive display of their skills really made a large impact on the school community that was in attendance. For the rest of the week I was hearing about how much the audience loved the drum line performance.\r\n\r\nThis outcome would not have been possible without your generous donations to the Marching Warrior Project. This project will be continuing in 2025. I hope that you'll be there when the time comes to continue to support us in any way that you can.","fullyFundedDate":1726684746560,"projectUrl":"project/the-marching-warrior-project/8755860/","projectTitle":"The Marching Warrior Project","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Konieczko","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7969590_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746705875641","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/rca-music"},{"teacherId":7969590,"projectId":8756007,"letterContent":"When I unboxed the baritone saxophone a lot of students were surprised to see a massive case and the instrument that it held inside. All of the students at Richards have never had any formal music training or experience before so seeing a baritone saxophone was an eye opening event for them. Everyone was curious about what it sounded like. As I demonstrated a lot of the students were very impressed or wowed by the tone and timbre of the baritone saxophone. Impressed with its range and powerful sound, its an instrument that many students have taken interest in since its arrival here at Richards.\r\n\r\nThis would not be possible without your incredibly generous support. My students and I can't thank you enough for making this project come true.","fullyFundedDate":1726684747026,"projectUrl":"project/bari-good-for-rca/8756007/","projectTitle":"Bari Good for RCA","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Konieczko","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7969590_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746705875641","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/rca-music"},{"teacherId":7969590,"projectId":8876069,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting, sharing, and donating to this project. My drumline students have been hard at work with 30 year old equipment and have put in countless hours of practice throughout this semester. In the photos attached with this Thank-You package are images from our performance from December 17th. At Richards, students are on a 4x4 block and my drum line students will no longer be in class with me but will continue to practice and perform outside of my class being on their schedule. \r\n\r\nThe tenor quads will help round out the sound of the ensemble and bring a unique character of sound to our group. This also allows me to teach another instrument to deserving students, diversifying their music education experience. \r\n\r\nWhether you are a new or old supporter of music at Richards Career Academy we thank you very much for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1734712127917,"projectUrl":"project/marching-the-quads/8876069/","projectTitle":"Marching the Quads","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Konieczko","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7969590_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746705875641","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/rca-music"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5478","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":278,"numTeachers":16,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":32,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":62,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"17.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":58.5,"schoolId":5478,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Richards Career Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Richards Career Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/richards-career-academy/5478"}