Bring Mandarin to McCall, Meredith & Nebinger MS Students!

[annie]

Chinese Language for Philly Public Schools

Chinese Language Project for Philadelphia Public Schools
This project will begin by making available instruction in Chinese (Mandarin) at 6th grade level this Fall in three diverse Center City Public Schools. In subsequent years, the plan is to add one grade of language classes each year until at least grades 6 through 8 have the option of such a program. If this initiative can be proven successful in these initial locations, further roll-out may be on a school-by-school basis, or system-wide. The project has been formed by a collaborative group including the respective Principals, Home & School and Neighborhood associations, as well as other interested entities.

We need to raise a minimum of $15,000 for the first year. However, if we can raise $45,000, that will ensure that we can offer classes for both this year and sessions for 6th and 7th grades next year. $90,000 will ensure that the program runs for at least three years.

The schools involved
McCall, which has a significant population of native mandarin speakers and greatly valued the language program it had in place before losing funding for this program. A great resource for the international city that Philadelphia is increasingly becoming; it has a massive catchment area, which means that even though it’s located at 5th and Pine, it’s the local school for Chinatown. McCall’s principal, Carol Domb, is an important voice in driving and focusing our efforts in Mandarin. 49.6% economically disadvantaged students.

Meredith, very much a local school in lower grades, with students largely coming from its quite small geographic catchment in the Queen Village and Bella Vista neighborhoods of South Philly, but openings in middle-school grades make this a high demand choice for kids from all over the city at that age. Meredith’s principal, Cindy Farlino, was the inspiration for this project, when she highlighted language studies as a vital missing piece in local middle schools. 49.1% economically disadvantaged students.

Nebinger, is a rising school, whose principal, Ralph Burnley was awarded the Lindback Award last year, located deeper in South Philadelphia. It’s the only public elementary school in Philadelphia with resources for autism-spectrum students, with a great reputation in this and other areas. 85.3% economically disadvantaged students

Seems like a great fundraiser that is getting off to a slow start. They only have until November 15th to reach the goal and it's "all or nothing" funding (meaning, if they miss the goal your credit card won't be charged).

[annie]

Only $725 raised so far - way off from the $15,000 needed by November 15th. SLA and TechGirlz Camp were able to reach their goals through FundingWorks. I wonder what the issue is?

[JakeL]

Only $725 raised so far - way off from the $15,000 needed by November 15th. SLA and TechGirlz Camp were able to reach their goals through FundingWorks. I wonder what the issue is?

From a campaign raising standpoint, there's little in the way of personal appeal and tangential goals. $15,000 seems like a large amount, and I'm not really sure what it goes to. I think it would be helpful to break it down into bite-sized personal chunks to help donors feel connected. For example, "A $50 donation will teach 50 students a simple, common building block phrase, such as 'How are you?'. Your support will leave a lasting impact on these students that can open opportunities with the 1 billion Mandarian speakers of the world"