As many of you know, my wife and I founded a non profit learning center a few years back called One Spark Academy. I wanted to update our friends, followers and supporters on the progress we have made in the 4 years since we got started, and to ask those of you have not already donated to our year-end campaign if you would consider doing so. We are so close to our goal of raising $10,000, and you could be the one to put us over the top.
One Spark Academy
One Spark Academy is alternative learning center for middle-school-aged kids in Thousand Oaks, California. We believe that children are born with a natural, creative capacity and a desire to learn, but sadly many of them lose that through the industrial approach that many public school systems are forced to take. It’s our mission to change that– one child at a time.
We have been developing our program over the last four years, each year building upon the success of the previous year. Since its inception, more than 150 students from benefitted from One Spark. Four years ago, we started our program with seven kids; this year we started with 40 students. We have a program that works.
Its Not Rocket Science
It’s actually not rocket science. We know what works in the classroom. We have small classes, taught by people who are passionate about what they do. Because our classes are small, we have time to focus on the individual child. We dedicate time developing positive and collaborative relationships between students, parents and teachers. We know that it is through positive, respectful interactions that children learn best. At One Spark, these aren’t after thoughts. This is where we start!
Many of these approaches aren’t necessarily new. Leading educational thinkers like Sir Ken Robinson have been telling us what works for years. What is new, however, is our approach to funding. And this is where you come in.
Keeping Our Fees Low
We do charge registration fees, but currently those fees cover only about one half of the funds we need to run One Spark Academy. We keep those fees low so that more kids can take advantage of our program. We make up some of the difference up through tax deductible donations from people like you. We don’t receive any state funding since we have decided, by design, not to be a school. Because of that, we are not required to adhere to many of the policies that make it hard to teach kids well.
If you think what we are doing is important and you have the means, please consider making a tax deductible donation to our 2nd IndieGogo Campaign. There are only two days left. Every little bit helps. And for those of you who already did, thank you! thank you! thank you!
To make a tax deductible donation, please visit our campaign. For more information about One Spark Academy, visit our website.
Sincerely
Todd Geist
Board President, One Spark Foundation Inc.