Two million dollars in federal COVID-19 relief funds have been allocated by state education officials to help pre-kindergarten to 12th grade public school teachers pay for classroom supplies.
Acting Commissioner of Education Heidi Teshner said Monday that each teacher can receive up to $1,000 for project funding, as long as the money lasts.
The funds come from a collaboration with the state’s Department of Education & Early Development (DEED) and DonorsChoose, a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit.
“This initiative is an investment in the frontline wisdom of Alaska teachers, and it’s a boost for educators as we head into the back-to-school season,” said Alix Guerrier, CEO Of DonorsChoose. “We’re so grateful that Alaska Department of Education & Early Development is partnering with DonorsChoose, and that the department is using this innovative way to help students start the school year strong.”
DonorsChoose is an online charity on a mission to make it easy for anyone to help a classroom in need by allowing people to donate directly to classrooms.
Since DonorsChoose was founded in 2000, more than 2,000 Alaska teachers from school districts across the state have raised $5.1 million for projects that help them go above and beyond in the classroom. The new collaboration between Alaska DEED and DonorsChoose will further the support for educators across the entire state.
Teachers can learn more and apply at https://bit.ly/DonorsChooseAK. Funding for eligible projects will be applied shortly after a project is approved.
