Here at The Generation Project, the start of the 2010-11 school year is particularly exciting, because it's going to be the first full year in which we're up and running.  Just as exciting, we're expanding to schools in New Orleans and the Bay Area this year, meaning that there are hundreds of thousands of new students that can  benefit from our donors' ideas and generosity.

So, to celebrate the start of the 2010-11 school year, we're launching a very special campaign here at The Generation Project.  We've set aside $20,000 of the money we won in the Chase Community Giving challenge, and we're going to use that money to double the impact that you want to see.

Here's how it works: starting now, and continuing until the $20,000 runs out, we are going to duplicate every new gift designed through The Generation Project.  So, for example, if you design a gift for $100 to start a soccer initiative, we'll put an identical gift on the site--but we'll fund it at no cost to you.  In essence, with your $100, you'll have started two soccer initiatives for the price of one.  That means two different teachers, at two different schools, with two different sets of kids can benefit from your ideas, your passion, and your generosity.  

So, start generating ideas for how you can make this a great back-to-school season, because we're going to double your impact.  Want to start a chess team at a low-income school?  Act now and you can start two.  Have you always wanted to share your love of Harry Potter books with students in need? Act now, and you can share the magic with twice as many kids.   Or if you just want to make sure kids have a great experience in math, history, or science, act now...and twice as many kids will benefit.

To get started, sign up for an account, log in, and select the "design a gift" icon at the top of your Philanthropist's Page.  You'll be guided through a quick and easy set of questions that will allow you to start making a difference in the lives of high-need K-12 students.  Once you've paid for your gift, we'll credit a duplicate gift to your account within 48 hours.

Name: Meghan Dunn      Grade: Third

(View Meghan's Educator Profile here. To view donors' impact in her classroom, click the completed tab!)

1. How did you hear about The Generation Project?

I first heard about The Generation Project through one of its founders, Jessica Rauch.

2. Tell us about the gift(s) that are implemented in your classroom?

My students have had the opportunity to benefit from two different gifts. The first was a trip for two of my boys to see the Alvin Ailey Dance Company at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM). One of my male students was recently accepted into a Ballet program in Manhattan and I wanted him to see a real dance performance, especially one that highlighted male dancers. This year my class has been participating in a chess program one day a week. As a culminating activity, I wanted to have a chess tournament for my students. I was able to use The Generation Project to fund chess-related prizes, like a travel chess set and a wooden chess set for my students

3. What would you tell other donors who are considering donating to The Generation Project? 

The Generation Project is really great because it allows teachers to obtain resources in real time, and be responsive to their students. Other donation sites require that teachers have to be able to predict in the future what they might need, and they don't have the freedom to be flexible with their students. The Generational Projectgives me a lot of flexibility in meeting the needs of my students and finding resources. The Generation Project is also great because I know that the support that I am receiving comes from an individual who is just as passionate as I am about education and about giving students memorable experiences. 

As the Times notes, there is anecdotal support for both these views. The percentage of New York City high school students taking Advanced Placement tests rose this year after the district offered students a cash payment for high AP scores.  A cash incentive system for Dallas high schools students also coincided with increased student achievement:

But the anti-reward camp argues that such gains are merely illusory, and that reward systems ultimately decrease students' motivation to learn in the long term:

For the anti-reward camp, those who give children tangible incentives for academic performance ultimately run the risk of "undermin[ing] the joy of learning for its own sake.

Why the anti-reward camp has it wrong, after the jump. More...