$1.25 Million Contribution to Fund STEM projects through DonorsChoose Organization

  • By Kate Lucariello
  • 08/31/23

United Airlines has pledged to donate $1.25 million through the DonorsChoose charity to help fund K–12 aviation and STEM projects in classrooms across its seven hub markets of Chicago; Denver; Washington, D.C.; New York; Houston; San Francisco; and Los Angeles; as well as Phoenix and across Hawaii.

This funding will cover currently posted projects in these markets to provide supplies, classroom resources, and program expenses. Remaining funds will be paired with a matching fund campaign in the near future to support new aviation and STEM projects, the airline said.

DonorsChoose said all requests are vetted — the organization itself purchases the items and shipping materials and sends them to verified teachers.

Teachers can learn more and apply for funds at this page.

"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," said Josh Earnest, United's senior vice president and chief communications officer. "We're proud to team up with DonorsChoose to support teachers who are doing incredible work and changing the lives of students around the country."

The airline said its growth plan over the next 10 years includes 700 new aircraft, on order. This year alone it plans to hire 15,000 employees, it said.

"United Airlines is helping classrooms launch into the new school year, with resources that will help aviation and STEM students thrive," said Alix Guerrier, CEO of DonorsChoose. "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."

Donors Choose was founded in 2000 by a public high school teacher in the Bronx, NY, to help teachers pay for school supplies and other resources to help their students.

About the Author

Kate Lucariello is a former newspaper editor, EAST Lab high school teacher and college English teacher.

Featured

  • students using digital devices, surrounded by abstract AI motifs and soft geometric design

    Ed Tech Startup Kira Launches AI-Native Learning Platform

    A new K-12 learning platform aims to bring personalized education to every student. Kira, one of the latest ed tech ventures from Andrew Ng, former director of Stanford's AI Lab and co-founder of Coursera and DeepLearning.AI, "integrates artificial intelligence directly into every educational workflow — from lesson planning and instruction to grading, intervention, and reporting," according to a news announcement.

  • toolbox featuring a circuit-like AI symbol and containing a screwdriver, wrench, and hammer

    Microsoft Launches AI Tools for Educators

    Microsoft has introduced a variety of AI tools aimed at helping educators develop personalized learning experiences for their students, create content more efficiently, and increase student engagement.

  • laptop displaying a red padlock icon sits on a wooden desk with a digital network interface background

    Reports Point to Domain Controllers as Prime Ransomware Targets

    A recent report from Microsoft reinforces warns of the critical role Active Directory (AD) domain controllers play in large-scale ransomware attacks, aligning with U.S. government advisories on the persistent threat of AD compromise.

  • Two hands shaking in the center with subtle technology icons, graphs, binary code, and a padlock in the dark blue background

    Two Areas for K-12 Schools to Assess for When to Work with a Managed Services Provider

    The complexity of today’s IT network infrastructure and increased cybersecurity risk are quickly moving beyond many school districts’ ability to manage on their own. But a new technology model, a partnership with a managed services provider, offers a way forward for schools to overcome these challenges.