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Mini-Grants Crowdfunding Campaign Raises Over $14,000 for Student Teachers to Equip Their Classrooms

During NC State’s first crowdfunding campaign in October, close to 90 donors came together to support the NC State College of Education’s Student Teacher Mini-Grants campaign, raising funds for student teachers to equip their classrooms with supplies such as books, science equipment and other innovative learning materials. 

Not only did the campaign reach its $5,000 goal, but it also greatly exceeded it, raising more than $14,000 for student teachers. 

“Donors to the Student Teacher Mini-Grants are helping our student teachers have the best start possible as they become teachers,” said Matt Friedrick, the college’s executive director of development. “A great student teaching experience has the power to set the tone for the rest of their career.”

Two hundred and fifty NC State College of Education students in teacher preparation programs will enter North Carolina classrooms and complete their student teaching this spring. As part of their experience, they will have the opportunity to introduce their students to new concepts, new materials and new ways of thinking. 

Since student teaching does not come with a stipend or paycheck, students face out-of-pocket expenses if they decide to bring innovative learning experiences, such as robotics motors, new reading materials and DNA lab kits, into the classroom. 

The funds raised through the College of Education’s Student Teacher Mini-Grants campaign will create a program allowing undergraduate and graduate students engaging in student teaching to apply for up to $200 to purchase materials and supplies to implement projects in their classrooms.

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For Caitlin Burke, an elementary education major who will be completing her student teaching this spring, the availability of these mini-grants is a welcome sign of support. 

“It means so much to me and my fellow classmates that donors are invested in our success,” Burke said.

Not only will the mini-grants benefit College of Education student teachers, but they will also benefit thousands of North Carolina students who will have the opportunity to use the materials and supplies in their classrooms. With an average classroom of about 30 students, the project has the potential to reach more than 7,000 children across the state each year.