Analyzing economic trends and unveiling media biases might sound like the work of renowned think tank founders. But thanks to a $3,000 grant from the TD Charitable Foundation, the charitable giving arm of TD Bank, students at Evergreen Community Charter School are doing just that.
The contribution supports Evergreen’s “Technology for All” laptop initiative, an effort aimed at equipping middle schoolers with resources essential to learning. More specifically, the contribution will replace aging laptops in a social studies classroom and allow students to better engage in hands-on, experiential work. Sixth graders will discuss civilization through the lens of ancient Greece, seventh graders will study the lives of women in the Middle East and eighth graders will unpack Appalachian culture.
The initiative also complements Evergreen’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. Since more than 30 percent of the school’s students qualify for free or reduced price lunches, many families are unable to provide at-home computer access. Laptops in usable condition will now be loaned out for after-school and weekend use.
“Providing equitable access to 21st century skills with 21st century tools is essential,” says Dr. Susan Mertz, Evergreen’s Executive Director. “Our students are held to high expectations and we are grateful to the TD Charitable Foundation for giving our students the tools to meet those expectations.”
The TD Charitable Foundation’s mission is to support, respect and improve the quality of life for individuals and communities. To learn more about the TD Charitable Foundation, visit tdbank.com.