In Jersey City, teachers are increasingly turning to community fundraising to keep their classrooms supplied, whether they need crayons, glue sticks, robotics kits, or technology tools. By mid-November, about 200 Jersey City teachers, librarians, and faculty members had created projects on DonorsChoose, showing how early and how urgently they must rely on outside support.
The challenges faced by teachers in Jersey City mirror those seen across public schools nationwide. Educators who work with low-income students often struggle each year to provide the materials needed for a high-quality education. Many find themselves paying out of pocket or relying on donations when school budgets fall short of covering even the most basic essentials.
- Around 200 Jersey City teachers turned to DonorsChoose by mid-November because school budgets could not cover essentials or modern learning tools.
- Of these educators, 112 requested tech and STEM materials, while another 86 asked for basic items like glue sticks, snacks, and tissues.
- Community donations, local reporting, and growing public awareness are now essential to keeping many classrooms supplied and supporting student learning.
Requests for Technology, STEM Tools, and Literacy Resources
Two distinct types of shortages appeared in these projects. The first group centered on materials needed for instruction that relies on modern classroom tools. According to recent data from DonorsChoose, 112 Jersey City educators were using the platform to raise funds for specialized classroom materials, which included classroom technology such as tablets, laptops, and document cameras, as well as robotics kits, STEM materials, and literacy tools like leveled readers and phonics resources — items that form the foundation of modern learning, yet many local schools do not have the funding to provide them.
At the same time, another 86 educators in Jersey City were fundraising for basic items more commonly found on a back-to-school supply list. Their requests included glue sticks, crayons, markers, tissues, disinfecting wipes, and prepackaged snacks for students who arrive at school hungry. Without these basic items, daily lessons become harder to run, and students can lose access to the simple supports that allow them to stay focused and engaged.
Why Educators Fill the Gap Themselves
In many low-income communities, teachers often become the last line of support for daily student needs. When a child arrives without a snack or when a classroom runs out of basic supplies, educators feel the responsibility to fill the gap. School funding frequently falls short of covering all materials needed to maintain steady learning conditions, especially when those needs include both basic essentials and specialized resources required in modern classrooms.
Platforms like DonorsChoose formalize a process teachers have relied on for years: asking for help. Through the project listings, educators can explain exactly what their students need and why. Donors, whether they are nearby residents, alumni, or even strangers from outside the city, can then choose projects that align with their values and interests. Many receive photos and thank-you notes when the requested materials arrive, creating a direct connection between donors and classrooms.
