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School Crashers

School Crashers is our school makeover program that unites communities, media partners, donors and volunteers to complete improvement projects for deserving schools.

Transforming Schools, One Makeover at a Time

For more than a decade, Georgia United Foundation's School Crashers program has been transforming learning environments across Georgia. Every year, we select multiple schools for much-needed improvement projects. Thanks to the generous support of local businesses and dedicated community volunteers, we've already enhanced over 76 schools—and we're just getting started!

School Crashers accepts nominations in January and chooses schools in the early spring to undergo summer transformations. To learn more, please review the Official Rules.

Congrats 2024 School Crashers Recipients

Atlanta Area School for the Deaf

The Atlanta Area School for the Deaf (AASD) is a day school in Clarkston, GA, serving over 130 deaf and hard-of-hearing students aged three to twenty-one from over 27 surrounding districts. The school uses American Sign Language and English, to encourage communication, self-expression and engagement within and beyond the deaf community. AASD received a media center upgrade, featuring collaborative seating, new flooring and a new deaf history museum and resource center. We look forward to watching the museum displays and deaf archive collection grow in the years to come.

CONGRATS 2024 SCHOOL CRASHERS RECIPIENTS

Barksdale Elementary School

Kristi Roop, the new principal at Barksdale Elementary, in Conyers, GA, commits to aiding teachers in meeting the diverse needs of their students. The school, equipped with specialized autism rooms and a Ready PreK room, used the School Crashers grant to develop a sensory classroom. This space, using Mohawk flooring was designed with calming corners, unique seating, sensory-rich features and interactive activities - to improve learning and self-regulation for all students.

CONGRATS 2024 SCHOOL CRASHERS RECIPIENTS

Miller Grove Middle School

With approximately 700 students in grades six through eight, Miller Grove Middle School, in Decatur GA, used their School Crashers grant to transform their media center into a hub for reading enthusiasm, where students can study or unwind with a good book. The updated space boasts new, comfortable and modern, Ernie Morris furniture, a redesigned layout and beautiful and durable luxury vinyl flooring, generously provided by Mohawk Flooring. Thanks to former MGMS student Khalil Siddeeq for nominating his alma mater for this transformative makeover.

CONGRATS 2024 SCHOOL CRASHERS RECIPIENTS

Pooler Elementary School

Pooler Elementary of Pooler GA, one of the oldest schools in the Savannah-Chatham County School System, prides itself on being "the little school that could." The School Crashers grant was used to create of a sensory classroom, designed to offer a safe and calming environment for students with sensory processing challenges. This room features a variety of sensory tools and equipment, such as hopscotch gel floor tiles, tactile wall panels and soft compression seating including a calming canoe. The aim was to provide a space where students can foster imagination and creativity and feel at ease enabling them to develop the skills necessary for success both in the classroom and beyond.

CONGRATS 2024 SCHOOL CRASHERS RECIPIENTS

Eastside Elementary School

Eastside Elementary, a Title 1 school in Dalton, GA, serves over 650 students from low-income families. Their School Crashers grant provided a complete sensory room makeover featuring both active and calming zones with new paint, sensory equipment, LED lights and sound features, a work area with wobble chairs, and the installation of new flooring from Mohawk. All the improvements will help strengthen the RCA (Ron Clark Academy) house system of core values at Eastside, fostering a positive, inclusive environment where students can excel academically, socially and emotionally.

CONGRATS 2024 SCHOOL CRASHERS RECIPIENTS

Cornelia Elementary School

Cornelia Elementary School, in Cornelia GA, is a Title 1 school committed to introducing students to innovative learning concepts. As part of the "Leader in Me" program inspired by Stephen Covey's principles of developing successful habits and character, the school created a dedicated STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Room. This space serves as a dynamic part of the students' weekly "Specials" rotation, offering interactive, hands-on learning experiences. It features a peg board wall area and a Lego wall for future builders, a hydroponic garden, a "maker space" with a 3-D printer, flexible collaborative seating, iPads, a Smart Touch Screen for presentations and robotics, bringing the world of STEM to life for all students.

LOOK AT THESE Past TRANSFORMATIONS

See for yourself the incredible impact the School Crashers program has made in local communities over the past decade. Check out before and after pictures and hear from those who have benefited from these school improvements. 

VIEW PAST GRANT RECIPIENTS

Our Impact So Far

Awarded

76
School Crashers grants

Invested

$ 2.4
M
towards enhancing educational spaces in local schools

Impacted

52,589
students who now enjoy a better learning environment
“
Words could never express how amazing it feels to enter our renovated spaces. The difference between the before and afters is like night and day. The faculty, staff and students were totally shocked by the upgrades provided through the School Crashers Grant from Georgia United Foundation and program sponsors. I am a 23 year educator in the Dekalb County School District. This by far is the best thing that has ever happened to me as an employee. We cannot thank you enough for choosing us for this unique opportunity. The Salem Middle School family is eternally grateful.
- Tiffanie B., Head Counselor, Salem Middle School
“
What an amazing program! Thank you to all the School Crashers contributors for making our newly created faculty recharge room a reality for the staff at Windsor Forest Elementary School. The staff looks forward to recharging here to focus on increasing student motivation and achievement.
- Dr. Trikia G., Principal, Windsor Forest Elementary
“
WOWSA! What a remarkable transformation! Thank you for bringing our vision to fruition! Beyond all expectations! We can’t wait to restore and recharge with our new space. With heartfelt gratitude.
- Barbara S., First Grade Teacher DLI, Windsor Forest Elementary School
“
Thank you! I do not have enough words to express my gratitude to Georgia United Foundation's School Crashers. I am overwhelmed with joy and indeed grateful for the total transformation of the teachers’ lounge at Salem Middle School. The lounge is inviting and relaxing, and it provides the teachers a space to RECHARGE! Thank you for selecting our proposal and making some much-needed improvements for our teachers at Salem Middle School.
- Dr. Lisa M., Executive Administrator, DeKalb County School District
“
We are thrilled to have the opportunity to offer a sensory room for students of all ages and abilities. Students who need a break to regroup and refocus will have a dedicated and private space to work through their feelings and emotions. The sensory room created by Georgia United Foundation offers students multiple methods of re-centering and regulating their minds and bodies. Calm minds and bodies are necessities for academic and social learning to occur. The sensory room gives students a place to go to get regulated so they can get back to class and move on with their learning.
- Jennifer W., Principal, High Shoals Elementary School
“
Our students with sensory needs now have a space where their needs can be met. Previously when our students needed a "brain break" we would go for walks or spend time in an empty space, this often left our students coming back into class with a lot of energy. This room will provide them with the tools they need to be successful for the rest of their day and this room will serve as another resource that teachers can utilize when they see a student struggling in the classroom. This program is super important because it immediately serves a specific need in the community. We were able to start our project at the end of May and were able to complete it by the end of July.
- Megan S., Special Education Interrelated Teacher, High Shoals Elementary School
“
Our staff will be positively affected by having a truly comfortable space where they can take a mindful break. School Crashers has truly been a blessing to our school. As educators, we often put ourselves 2nd and forget that we also must take care of ourselves or we're not providing the best services to our students. School Crashers has provided us with a space that we otherwise would not be able to have. We cannot thank Georgia United Foundation and their volunteers enough.
- Lindsay K., School Counselor, Cass Middle School
“
Having the students primed and ready for learning makes the job of every teacher more successful. The sensory room offers teachers an effective intervention for their students. In addition, sometimes adults need a space to calm and recharge. We already find ourselves fully utilizing this amazing space!
- Melissa D., Assistant Principal, Burnette Elementary School
“
Words are never enough to express appreciation, but your team's hard work truly was a blessing for us. We couldn't be happier with the end result. Many, many thanks to you and all the partners connected to this project in addition to the volunteers that gave their time to help us get it all together. You are all so very appreciated.
- Amy S., Media Center Specialist, Westside Middle School, Rocky Face, GA
“
Since our school was crashed, there have been SO many classes using the courtyard! We love it!!! And we're trying to get each grade level to take "ownership" of a space in the courtyard so they are going to help maintain it. It's so perfect for our school!!! Fits perfectly with our STEM focus.
- Julie F., Teacher, Brookwood Elementary School, Dalton, GA
“
We are beyond excited for our students at New Hope Middle School to experience the new sensory room provided to us through the Georgia United Credit Union School Crashers grant. This unique classroom environment will enable a special population of our students to have their sensory needs met in various ways allowing for optimal success in the academic classrooms and fostering positive relationships with their peers. We are on the countdown to the first day of school and can not wait to let our students see our new sensory room!
- Belinda S., Principal, New Hope Middle School, Dalton, GA
“
Georgia United School Crashers makeover was very impactful in transforming our building! This school-wide transformation was the catalyst that increased our positive school climate and culture, increased our CCPRI scores by 22.2 points and becoming a Title I Rewards school. Thank you Georgia United! You are our ROCK!
- Lisa G., Principal, Rock Chapel Elementary School, Lithonia, GA

Georgia United Foundation Launches 2024 Scholarship Competitions

Jan 5, 2024

(DULUTH, GA) – Georgia United Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Georgia United Credit Union, announces the organization’s 30th annual scholarship competition for high school seniors along with new scholarship opportunities for Georgia public school educators seeking advanced degrees and for undergraduate upperclassmen.

A total of $32,000 will be awarded via various scholarships honoring the credit union’s founder and notable board members and promoting diversity.

“Whether the applicants are entering college, currently enrolled in college, or pursuing additional studies, these scholarships offer a chance to alleviate financial burdens and propel their academic pursuits further,” said Georgia United Director of Community Development Kim Wall. “Education is a Georgia United Foundation cornerstone and providing academic scholarships in the communities we serve is one of the ways we fulfil our purpose of enriching lives.”

College, university and technical school-bound high school seniors are invited to compete for 12 scholarship slots that will be awarded, including two recipients of the $5,000 Vernon E. Carne Scholarship named after the credit union’s founder.

The competition requires a one-minute video submission by the applicants explaining how they plan to use their education to contribute to their community, with all entries due by 11:59 p.m. EST on January 31, 2024. Find the online application here.

WHAT’S NEW?

The new Frank Thach Scholarship, honoring Georgia United’s board vice chair, will provide financial assistance ($500 each) to 10 Georgia public school teachers that are currently pursuing advanced education degrees at an accredited college or university.

Teacher applicants must submit an online application and write a 250-word essay answer the question: “Why is an advanced degree important to you, and what meaningful impact do you hope to make on students and in your classroom?”

Entries are also due by 11:59 p.m. EST on January 31, 2024. Find the educator application here.

              Also New for 2024:

  • Dr. James Williams Scholarship ($5,000), in honor of Georgia United’s first Black board member, will be awarded to a sophomore or junior enrolled full-time at an accredited Historically Black College or University (HBCU). Applications will only be accepted through Georgia United corporate partner, the African-American Credit Union Coalition.
  • Named after current Georgia United board chair, who also served as a teacher, principal and superintendent of Whitfield County Schools, the Tom Dickson Scholarship will award $5,000 to multiple students enrolled at Dalton State College in Spring 2024. Applications will only be accepted via the Wright School of Business.
  • More details about these two new scholarships will be announced soon.

For more information about Georgia United Foundation’s scholarship programs, including official rules and regulations and related resources, go to: https://gucu.org/programs/scholarships.

 

About Georgia United Foundation 

Georgia United Foundation is committed to improving the quality of life for children and families in the communities it serves through impactful programs funded through corporate contributions and delivered via volunteer efforts from team members and community partners. The foundation is a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organization and is the philanthropic arm of Georgia United Credit Union. For details on volunteering or donating, visit gucufoundation.org.  

About Georgia United Credit Union  

Georgia United Credit Union is an award-winning financial leader and partner in education. Headquartered in Duluth, Georgia United is ranked as one of the state’s largest credit unions with more than $2 billion in assets and more than 150,000 members. As a full-service financial institution, Georgia United offers competitive products and services for every stage of life. Visit gucu.org to learn more.