Image: Freepik
Supporting your local schools and colleges isn’t just about giving money away—it is all about supporting the growth and education of the current and future members of your community. However, every school’s needs and goals are different, and there is no one-size-fits all strategy to adopt to support your local educational institutions. Here are just a few ideas to brainstorm and turn into actual initiatives with the help of your community.
Volunteer As Tutors and Mentors
If you or other community members have skills to offer, you can think about volunteering as tutors or mentors. You may not be able to replace the essential contribution of accredited teachers, as they have completed years of training and have robust experience in teaching. However, depending on your skills and knowledge, you could organise reading classes or work as a tutor in various subjects to support the students in their learning journey. Plus, thanks to the many tutoring platforms that exist today, you can even do so online!
Donate Supplies, Systems, or Equipment
It isn’t always easy for local schools to stay up to date with the latest technologies and source all the needed supplies and equipment for their students. So, if you are in the position to do so, you could contribute by donating physical supplies or by encouraging the schools to upgrade their internal systems. For instance, IT managed services specializing in education can help schools improve their level of security, efficiency, and, in turn, academic results. If you are interested in this upgrade, learn more here: www.campusworksinc.com/it-managed-services/
Offer Work Experience and Internships
Work experience plays a major role in supporting a student’s academic journey and boosting their employability in the future. However, for the school to offer these fantastic opportunities to their pupils, a community effort is very much needed. Ideally, you’ll want to work with local entrepreneurs and companies that have always stood out for being quality employees. This way, the students can learn practical, useful skills that are then applicable within the community. Simply put, you will be supporting the workforce of the future!
Fund Scholarships and Bursaries
Did you know that around 11% of college students rely on scholarships and bursaries? However, these may not always be available at every institution or for everyone. To make learning and education more accessible, consider working with other members in your community to establish and grow scholarships that can help pupils of all backgrounds. This project can help close the educational gap and ensure that the next generations gain access to better, more equal education opportunities.
Share Facilities and Host Community Events
Last but not least, keep in mind the famous saying “it takes a village.” So, if you are unsure how to help the local school or families within the community consider organising events and sharing facilities. For instance, you could organise summer activities for busy parents or make areas of your property available for students to learn new skills or simply enjoy healthy recreational activities. Even small, occasional community events can go a long way!
