Lauren Murdock, Gift Implementation Intern from the University of Michigan

The Generation Project kicked off the 2010-2011 school year in a very exciting way -- all gifts were doubles thanks to JP Morgan Chase, creating twice as many classroom opportunities for students in-need.  With gifts catering to all academic subjects and extracurriculars, teachers have been eagerly combing The Generation Project's website to claim gifts.  

As a Gift Implementation intern, I have the unique responsibility of implementing all donor-designed opportunities in schools in our regions -- I am continually inspired by the exciting projects I share with teachers daily.  Through The University of Michigan's Net Impact organization, students at WEB DuBois High School in Detroit received a laptop and various software to assist in creating a Robotics Team.  Algebra got a lot more intense (and exciting!) this semester for Jessica Kelley's high school algebra classes -- she received numerous materia

ls including wipe boards for classroom activities and a number of interactive books and DVD’s; check out Jessica's gift page along with some of my other favorite gifts from this school year below:

Chicago High School Algebra Gifts

Maps

Dr. Seuss Books 

Heading into the second half of the school year, the sky is the limit for what exciting educational experiences can be made possible -- it's all up to the creativity, passion, and generosity of The Generation Project's donors!   I look forward to sharing new educational opportunities, inciting more innovation, and being part of The Generation Project's launch to schools in New Orleans and San Francisco!

Cheers to 2011! 

Monique Hanako Rose, Gift Implementation Intern from NYU

Lauren Salzman, Campus Director from the University of Michigan

The Generation Project has inspired me to expand my interest in bettering the K-12 education system and closing the achievement gap. The Generation Project's unique model allows donors to give back in a way that reflects a person's individual interests and, thus, donors connect with the process on a personal level. By creating more transparency, donors can see the difference they are making first-hand. 

As a Campus Director at the University of Michigan, I am excited and humbled by the momentum for education reform on college campuses.  The Generation Project has been reaching out to student organizations on numerous college campuses in order to attract those passionate about education. Our model allows students to come together to design and fund exciting, formative opportunities to benefit students in-need -- and that closely reflect their group's mission on campus. Student groups have shown great willingness to start 2011 off with creative donations to help low-income students in need of better educational resources. It is inspiring to meet so many student groups interested in giving back to their community at such a personal level. By encouraging young adult across college campuses to make a difference in their community, The Generation Project is empowering students to make a real difference in their communities.

Megan O'Rourke, Development Intern at The University of Michigan

Here we are on the last day of 2010, ready to write up our new year's resolutions and plan out how to make the most of 2011. Somewhere on everyone's list of what they hope to achieve in the new year is to give back to those less fortunate. Having the intention to donate or volunteer is certainly a step in the right direction, but following through with this particular goal often seems to get lost in the shuffle of work, family, and financial responsibilities. 

At The Generation Project, we bridge the gap between wanting to give and actively taking a role in your donation. Anyone who has the desire to give back, to make their mark, or to find a way to share their passions can do so through this innovative non profit organization. When I say anyone, I do mean anyone! We find individuals, groups, and companies, some who are the position to be fantastically generous and some who able to give smaller amounts but with just as much heart. 

When The Generation Project is fortunate enough to come into contact with people who are willing to donate, we find a way to make their efforts as personal and meaningful as possible. Donors create gifts that are specific to their interests and to the impact they hope to have on education nationwide. It's easy to get people excited about The Generation Project once they understand just how much involvement they will have in their gift. After designing a gift for an individual student, a classroom, or an entire school, each donor can track the progress of that gift to see when a teacher selects it and how the student(s) benefit from their personal generosity. 

There is no better feeling than knowing that you were able to make a difference in someone's life. The Generation Project connects people who want to give with those who are the most deserving. Every gift provides an opportunity for an underserved student. Every gift makes a significant difference. Every donor has the chance to do something remarkable.