ClassWish
| Non-profit organization | |
| Industry | Education |
| Founded | 2008 |
| Headquarters | New York, NY |
Key people | Patrik Silen, chairman |
| Website | ClassWish.org |
ClassWish is a nonprofit organization that addresses the shortage of funding for supplies and equipment in K-12 schools. It is the only nonprofit that lets anybody contribute to fund any type or educational resources for any K-12 school or eductor (Teachers, student teachers, administrators, booster clubs, school nurses, and PTA/PTO leaders) to create Wish Lists of the items students need. Parents, alumni, neighbors, churches, local businesses and others see exactly what is needed and how they can help. ClassWish has the items shipped directly to the schools at no cost to the school or teacher?[1] [2]
ClassWish.org was founded in 2008 as a project of ImportantGifts Inc, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit,[3] whose chairman is Steven Spiegel, a former Skadden Arps attorney. It now has its own tax-exempt status.
Recognition
On October 21, 2009, ClassWish was picked as one of nine "Best Non-Profits Dedicated to Parents, Students, and Teachers" along with Teach For America and Teachers Without Borders, among others. Also, EduDemic listed ClassWish as one of 210 websites that "help teacher make learning fun" on June 14, 2010.[4]
Notable Board of Advisors
The ClassWish Board of Advisors includes such education and business leaders as:
- Adam Hirsch, COO, Mashable
- Scott Cutler, EVP, NYSE-Euronext
- Esther Dyson, investor and philanthropist
- Nancy Pelz-Paget, Director, Education and Society Program, Aspen Institute
- Delia Pompa, VP of Education, National Council of La Raza
- Steven Rosenbaum, Founder, Magnify Media
Quotes
“This nonprofit is a swift and inventive way for communities to unite in support of the tools that make learning more accessible for all students.” - Sarah Brown Wessling, National Teacher of the Year and teacher at Johnston High School in Johnston, Iowa
"I was absolutely thrilled that a donor supported the purchase of a model human torso, with removable organs. My students have lots of questions about human physiology, and this model of anatomical relationships will promote curiosity-driven learning. Thanks ClassWish and donor!" - Dan Piloff, teacher at Stuyvesant High School, New York, New York
“ClassWish helps teachers get the supplies that are so essential for children to get a great education.” - Nancy Pelz-Paget, Director, Education and Society Program, Aspen Institute (from Board of Advisors)