United Airlines has pledged to donate US$1.25m to Donors Choose to fund aviation as well as science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) projects across classrooms in the airline’s seven hub markets – Chicago, Denver, Washington DC, New York, Houston, San Francisco and Los Angeles, as well as in Phoenix and across Hawaii.
The contribution from United will fund all aviation classroom projects currently posted on DonorsChoose.org, and the remaining funds will be used over the next few months during a matching campaign to fund more aviation and STEM-focused projects. If teachers in the selected cities are interested in submitting a project to be considered for funding, they can visit Donors Choose’s website.
Donors Choose connects the public to teachers from public schools who need money to buy school supplies and pay for other program expenses for their students. It was founded by a public high school teacher in the Bronx, New York, in 2000. The organization ensures the integrity of funding every step of every project by vetting all requests, purchasing each item and shipping materials directly to verified teachers.
Josh Earnest, senior vice president and chief communications officer of United, said, “Whether it’s using model planes to teach middle schoolers the dynamics of flight or taking a field trip to see how a simulator works, we’re proud to help teachers get the resources to inspire the next generation of aviators. We’re proud to team up with Donors Choose to support teachers who are doing incredible work and changing the lives of students around the country.”
Alix Guerrier, CEO of Donors Choose, said, “United Airlines is helping classrooms launch into the new school year, with resources that will help aviation and STEM students thrive. Through this campaign, United Airlines is empowering youth who are tomorrow’s scientists, aviators and engineers. This partnership will foster the beginnings of future careers.”
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