Next Step Program in Cottage Grove, Minnesota on DonorsChoose

{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Next Step Program","outOfStateSupporters":32.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10289651,"projectId":10095875,"letterContent":"We are so grateful for the generous donation of three sewing machines for our Pathways program serving students ages 18 to 21. These new resources have already made a meaningful impact in our classroom. Students were excited and curious when they first saw the sewing machines arrive. For many of them, this was their first time working with professional quality equipment and learning hands on sewing skills that can support future employment and independent living.\r\n\r\nOne of the most memorable moments so far was when students were invited to choose their own first sewing project based on their skill level and comfort. Most of them chose to start with small stuffed animals, which felt both fun and manageable. They quickly got to work measuring fabric, cutting pieces, threading the machines, and carefully stitching everything together. It was incredible to see their confidence grow as they realized they could bring their ideas to life. \r\n\r\nAs we continue, students will keep building on these beginning skills by moving into slightly more advanced projects. The goal is to strengthen both their technical sewing skills and their independence as they apply patience, problem solving, and responsibility while working with the equipment. Your support has created meaningful opportunities for our students to learn, grow, and take pride in what they are able to accomplish.","fullyFundedDate":1773186071537,"projectUrl":"project/three-sewing-machines/10095875/","projectTitle":"Three Sewing Machines","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bartholomew","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10289651"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_108995","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":null,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":25,"percentAsian":13,"percentBlack":9,"percentWhite":55,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":9,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":8,"gradesServed":"Not specified","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR District Record","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"UNCLASSIFIED","ncesMetroType":null},"inStateSupporters":67.7,"schoolId":108995,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Next Step Program on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Next Step Program","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/minnesota/south-washington-county-school-district-833/next-step-program/108995"}

About this school

Next Step Program is a public school in Cottage Grove, Minnesota that is part of South Washington County School District 833. Its teachers have had 17 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Public School

Grades Not specified

# of students unavailable

# of teachers unavailable

7155 80th Street Suite 180

Cottage Grove, MN 55016 View local requests

Direct, proactive support

Empower teachers at Next Step Program to request what their students need.

Give to this school

Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

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

Next Step Program Teachers on DonorsChoose

Mrs. Meath

Mrs. Simon

Mr. Spanjers

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.

See how DonorsChoose works

Next Step Program Demographics

25%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

31%

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.

Next Step Program Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Oct 20, 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.