Your nominations have been heard and we're excited to announce the lucky schools who will receive a School Crashers makeover this summer. For more than ten years, Georgia United Foundation, the charitable arm of Georgia United Credit Union, has been dedicated to improving Georgia schools. With the help of grants and volunteers, we've impacted 76 schools and invested over $2.4 million to benefit students, educators and communities. And this is just the beginning!
Every year, Georgia United Foundation accepts nominations at the start of the calendar year and selects schools for summer renovations. Want to learn more? Check out the Official Rules for all the details.
Apalachee High School was nominated multiple times for a School Crashers makeover by faculty and community members. In the wake of a tragedy, the need for mental health support and resources has become critical. In response, Apalachee High School will receive a sensory room for students, featuring sensory elements and mental health resources, and a faculty recharge room, which will offer staff a peaceful environment with calming features and comfortable furniture.
Clarkston High School, located in one of the most diverse areas of DeKalb County, was nominated by DeKalb County’s Media Specialist of the Year, Tracie Hardin. She shared, "The media center serves as more than a library; it’s a hub for learning, connection, and creativity—a space where students gather for book clubs, group projects, author visits, or simply to study, eat lunch, and build friendships." Recognizing its importance, this year’s School Crashers makeover will include updated flooring, fresh paint and cozy seating. These improvements will create an even more welcoming and functional space for the school and the surrounding community.
Duluth Middle School is a Title I institution serving a diverse student body, facing challenges due to diminishing federal funding. DMS science educator, Deepa Pendalwar, applied for an updated science lab, aiming to engage students from underprivileged backgrounds and foster greater enthusiasm for the subject. Georgia United Foundation intends to revitalize this cherished science lab, transforming it into an inviting and inspiring environment. The redesign will include the integration of modern technology, new lab equipment, improved organization, updated décor and new flooring. The goal is to create a well-equipped learning hub that sparks excitement and curiosity in science, with the hope of inspiring students to pursue careers in STEM fields.
Northwest Laurens Elementary School was nominated by the school's instructional coach, who shared the need for a community resource room. With their School Crashers grant, a cluttered storage area will be converted into a space where students, parents and teachers can borrow materials to aid in student success. The resource room will receive new storage units, fresh paint, décor, flooring and comfortable furniture. This transformation will not only provide necessary resources but also strengthen the bond between the school and its community, promoting student achievement and well-being.
