With nearly one in seven Colorado kids living in poverty, many teachers and principals throughout the state are filling the gap out of their own pockets.
According to a survey published by the National Center for Education Statistics, 94 percent of teachers spend their own money on school supplies for their classrooms each year. On average, they can spend upwards of $554 each year, depending on the school classification, community type, instructional level and the socioeconomic status of the students they serve.
We understand the challenge facing today's educators. Families living in poverty must often choose between paying rent, bills or buying food, and school supplies just can't be their priority. 4 Colorado Kids wants to help bridge the gap and provide these much-needed essentials so that our children and teachers are poised to succeed.
Erase the Need
We want to empower educators and invest in critical tools that nurture a child's untold potential and readiness to learn.
Any teacher or school in the state can directly apply for “Erase the Need” funds to acquire much-needed school supplies, classroom equipment, healthy snacks, summer scholarships, educational resources and assistance for helping find family support services for children with disabilities.