By Lyle Medved
On its website, Equal Learning Fund lists its lofty vision as “a world where education is available for all,” quite ambitious for an organization just approaching its second year. But, when you look further through its website, you will see that its model is sound and scalable.
I had the opportunity to speak with the Founder, Hannah Huelin-Meek. She shared that while Equal Learning Fund is still in its infancy and focused primarily on the California market, the hope is that the organization will be able to scale its current model to assist with national and international needs in the future.
Equal Learning Fund is an impartial organization that promotes fairness for all children who need additional assistance. Helping to provide educational funding, school supplies, program support, and awareness, Equal Learning Fund works primarily with homeless and disadvantaged youth. Besides providing essential support, the organization also works to educate local communities and families about the impacts of socioeconomic gaps within the education sector. Because the organization relies heavily on volunteers and works through community partnerships (so as not to “reinvent the wheel”), 80-90 cents of every dollar collected directly delivers educational support to those most in need.
If you follow Equal Learning Fund on social media (particularly Facebook), you will find notable accomplishments. But remember, this is for required additional assistance to give all students equal access to education.
Local company ProductPlan raised enough funds to supply 230 underprivileged kids with backpacks and school supplies. (courtesy photo)
If you are looking to get involved, there are plenty of ways to give back. People can donate, volunteer, sponsor fundraisers, or help spread the word. There are a variety of volunteer positions too, virtual or in-person. Equal Learning Fund strives to find the right fit for each individual and their interests, ranging from reading to kids, helping to fundraise, acting as an ambassador, or assisting with in-person events like book drives or backpack stuffing events.
“A world where education is available for all” – a cause that Equal Learning Fund has pursued since early 2021. If its success to date is any indication – such a world would be a better one indeed.
Learn more at equallearningfund.org.
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Wouldn’t be necessary if our government run schools were horrendous