California Middle School Turns to Crowdfunding When Budget Cannot Accomplish Technology Goals
El Dorado Hills, CA (PRWEB) March 14, 2014 -- El Dorado Hills, CA (PRWEB) March 14, 2014 - Just like the Jamaican bobsled team used Crowdfunding to get to the Winter Olympics in Sochi, the Parent Teacher Committee at Marina Village Middle School in El Dorado Hills, CA is trying to capitalize on the growing trend of Crowdfunding to raise money in order to achieve a 1:1 student to computer ratio.
After many years of hosting traditional school fundraisers like crab dinners, silent auctions and golf tournaments, the Marina Village PTC took note of the straightforwardness of the Crowdfunding model. Crowdfunding is a strategy that combines small amounts of money contributed by a large number of individuals. This approach also takes advantage of the power of social media that other types of outdated fundraising simply cannot do, by allowing donors to easily distribute the request for support to one’s network of friends, family and colleagues all over the world.
Some of the pain points that the PTC is trying to eliminate include:
• Countless hours begging for local companies to donate auctions items.
• Parents who do not like or want to attend a dinner, auction or golf tournament.
• Months of planning and the cost of finding and setting up a location.
• The small pool of potential donors, since most “attendees” are typically parents of a child at the school.
This year, people from anywhere can help with very little effort and very little money. Part of the core message that the Marina Village PTC is using includes the simple statement, “20/20/20.” Just remember to donate $20 on March 20th (2014) within the 20 hour time frame.
It’s a clear and upfront message that people seem to appreciate; “We want to provide a computing device to every student at our school and we do not have the money in the budget to do so. We need the public’s help. Please donate $20 on March 20th and please ask your friends and family to give as well. That’s it.” says Tammy Pineda, President of the Marina Village PTC.
To donate visit http://www.marinavillagemiddleschool.org/. All proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit the Marina 1:1 Technology Initiative.
At the heart of this initiative is the certainty that technology is intertwined into every aspect of life. Based upon the belief that technology can make a substantial impact on schools and on students, three research organizations, The Greaves Group, The Hayes Connection and One-to-One Institute established Project RED.
In 2010, Project RED conducted the first, national study focusing on academic results and the financial implications of technology in education. The study concluded that schools employing a 1:1 student to computer ratio, outperform other schools.
Additional findings included:
• Properly implemented technology saves money.
• Online collaboration increases learning and student engagement.
• Daily use of technology delivers the best return on investment.
To review the study conducted by Project RED visit http://www.projectred.org/about/research-overview/findings.html.
About Marina Village Middle School
Marina Village Middle School will provide a comprehensive and academically challenging education for all students. We will maintain a safe and positive environment that promotes respect and responsibility. Marina Village Middle School is committed to partnership, support, and involvement among school, families and community. Visit http://www.marinavillagemiddleschool.org.
Timarie MacKie, Marina Village Middle School PTC, http://www.marinavillagemiddleschool.org/, +1 916-934-4749, [email protected]
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