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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 accredited K-12 public schools across Georgia.

School Crashers Applications are Under Review

The nomination period for Georgia United Foundation’s School Crashers program has now closed. We’re excited to review all the amazing applications and announce the lucky grant recipients later this March. 

We look forward to helping improve the learning environment for even more students and educators in 2025!

Want to be part of this incredible initiative? Donate online and join us in making a difference. Every dollar donated directly benefits the chosen schools.

Take a look at these 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

51,531
students who now enjoy a better learning environment

The Power of School Crashers

“
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 School
“
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
“
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
“
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
“
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

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.