Project Starfish

...ONE MATTERS

Mission: Project Starfish narrows the achievement gap by providing students in need with resources they otherwise would not be able to obtain on their own.  Through grants and private donations, identified students, can access funds to pay for school supplies, bus passes, program fees, field trip expenses, athletic fees, etc. and to allow them to actively engage in their school experience.  In return, the student recipient is expected to "pay it forward" with volunteer service at their school.  Giving back to their community will provide the student with valuable life lessons and help build the child's self-esteem as they are not merely receiving a handout.

Vision: All students shall have the means to pursue a wide variety of learning opportunities throughout their high school experience.  Project Starfish will remove economic barriers so that each student can reach their potential.

THE STARFISH STORY

Early one morning a young girl was walking on the beach when she noticed thousands of stranded starfish that had washed up on shore.  To try and save them, she began tossing them, one at a time, back into the ocean.  When a passerby told her she couldn't possibly save all the starfish, she tossed one into the ocean and replied, "Well, I made a difference to that one." Inspired by the little girl, others came to help.  Together, they made a difference.

HOW THE PROCESS WORKS

1. Students or parents can reach out to the building contacts (listed below) when they have a need that arises, or they can contact a trusted teacher who will put them in touch with a Project Starfish member.
2. A confidential discussion is held to gather more information about the individual’s situation.
3. Depending on the grade level, a worksheet is filled out by student, or both parent and student, to identify the amount that Project Starfish can help with and a way in which it can be “paid forward” through service at school or assisting somehow in the community.
4. All discussions and decisions are confidential.