Thursday, August 29, 2024 United Airlines is starting the school year with a major boost to education by donating $1.25 million through the nonprofit DonorsChoose. This initiative will fund aviation and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) classroom projects across the nation.
For the second year running, United will amplify its support by tripling donations for aviation projects submitted by teachers in nine key markets. In addition, the airline will match contributions for STEM projects at Equity Focus Schools, furthering its commitment to educational enrichment. Teachers in the participating cities—Chicago, Denver, Washington, D.
C., New York, Houston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Hawaii—are invited to submit their projects for funding consideration and explore the 2023 projects that have already received support. “This program is a testament to United’s commitment to diversifying our workforce and removing barriers to STEM and aviation education and careers for underrepresented groups,” said Helon Hammond, VP of Global Learning, People and Community Impact for United .
“Last year, we were able to help fund 2,592 projects across our hub cities and target markets. We’re proud to collaborate with DonorsChoose for the second year in a row and continuing efforts to support the organization as their sole aviation partner.” Founded in 2000 by a high school teacher, DonorsChoose has become a vital resource for educators seeking support for classroom supplies.
A 2024 survey by the nonprofit reveals that teachers, on average, spend $610 of their own money on student supplies, with costs being particularly burdensome for teachers of color and those at Equity Focus Schools. DonorsChoose addresses this issue by allowing public school teachers to request necessary classroom resources, while supporters can contribute to these requests. The organization upholds the integrity of every project by thoroughly vetting all requests, purchasing items directly, and shipping materials to verified teachers.
This meticulous process ensures that every donation effectively supports educational needs. “United Airlines is helping the new school year take off on a strong note,” said Alix Guerrier, CEO of DonorsChoose. “By directly funding DonorsChoose projects, United Airlines will fulfill ideas and programs that will inspire students to explore futures in aviation and STEM.
” United Airlines, with a global workforce of nearly 100,000, provides diverse career opportunities within the STEM field, including roles such as pilots, aviation maintenance technicians, flight dispatchers, and network planners. In addition to fostering career growth, United Airlines has reinforced its commitment to education by contributing $1.25 million to DonorsChoose last year to support aviation projects.
This recent donation brings the airline’s total contributions to $2.5 million over the past two years, demonstrating its ongoing dedication to enhancing both professional and educational development in STEM fields..
