As we pointed out in last weeks Part One “How to Survive a $9.2 Billion Cut to the Education Department’s Budget.”
It’s no secret that Education itself, is undergoing the largest lesson, EVER!
The sketchy road ahead for Local and State education budgets are at tipping point. The importance of the private community to extend and diversify their financial support is required in order to see stability and success for all learners to receive quality education.
State Funding
Look for State Measures that advance funding for digital initiative, or why not gather a passionate group that pushes for a measure that advocates grant money for your digital strategy.
“Spring Hill School District’s makerspace evolved out of a coding initiative that started in February 2015 when Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson — buoyed by his granddaughter’s knowledge of computer coding — passed into law a measure requiring every public high school in the state to offer computer science classes.”
“The National Endowment for the Humanities has awarded $446,299 in grants to four projects in West Virginia, the independent federal agency announced Wednesday.”
In Texas they are looking at creative solutions to accessing the $10 Billion rainy day funds to help fill the educational budget gap. “…Texas House members are weighing several bills that would use the fund to fill gaping holes in the state’s budget.”
“I had rather invest in our teachers, invest in our classrooms and invest in our kids as opposed to leaving it in our mattress,” Darby said. “Let’s put our mattress money where our mouths are.”
Back east in New York, Gov. Cuomo said “It has never been more evident that a college education is an important stepping stone to success and by partnering with District Attorney Vance, that success will reach those who never thought they could achieve it.”
“New York will spend $7.3 million from bank settlements to expand college education programs in prisons, with Cornell University’s existing program set to grow.”
“Cuomo first proposed spending public dollars to provide prisoners a free college education in 2014, pointing to studies that show lower recidivism rates among inmates who receive an education.”
Private Funding
There are several private funding options that are out there such as last week’s grant dinner.
Over at the Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s annual grants dinner, $2.8 million was granted that evening. “…more than a dozen film and TV stars helped the group behind the Golden Globe Awards share proceeds from the show with some 55 film schools and arts organizations.”
On the other side of the coin, private citizens are stepping up and adding value to our country’s education and health concern.
“The Jonas Center for Nursing Excellence, which provides graduate education for people in the nursing field, has assisted 1,000 “Jonas scholars” and now operates in all 50 states.”
“It will be a major factor in healthcare. Many more people are aging, many more people need care, and everything (the field) is kind of shrinking in terms of funding,” said Barbara Jonas, a former psychiatric social worker. “To have well-trained, well-paid nurses who know what they’re doing will benefit all of us.”
“The Jonas Family Fund was created with proceeds from the family’s auction of 15 abstract expressionist artworks in their private collection, which generated $44 million. The collection contained works by Willem de Kooning and Mark Rothko.”
School Supply Drives are Accelerating Across the Country
There are tons of private drives taking place around the country to help fund students with school supplies such as the Stuff the Bus drive run through United Way.
Other states are running their own programs. “The statewide school supply drive was needed in response to the budget, Cooper said. He noted that lawmakers rejected his proposal to use about $13 million of the state’s funds to give public school teachers an annual $150 stipend for school supplies.
“This (drive) is being done because it’s a necessity,” Cooper said during a news conference at Pearsontown Elementary School. “They didn’t include this $150 in the budget. They haven’t been providing enough resources for our schools. Teachers should not have to dig into their own pockets to pay for paper and pencils and pens and tissues for their classrooms.”
“The Durham-based Crayons2Calculators offers local teachers a chance to “shop” at a warehouse of donated supplies. Schools also sometimes receive individual donations.”
See how the Kids In Need Foundation is making a difference.
A critical demand has found its way to our schools, equally pushing schools to locate funds outside of their normal allocated education budget. The private sector is proving to boost education and give it a chance to have a winning edge for all learners.
Join us for Part 3 on how to survive the education budget cut and other creative solutions on how to manage the evolving changes happening in the education sphere.
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Written by Chelsie Foster and Kati Mac
@collaajcorp #educationfunds #highered #edugrants #edufunding
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