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, this program has impacted 81 deserving schools, investing over $3 million in improvements—and we're just getting started!

This year, five schools were selected from 212 applicants. Check out the schools who were "crashed" over summer break... And stay tuned for 2026 online applications opening in mid-December.

Apalachee High School

Winder, Georgia

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, the Foundation worked with Principal Jessica Rehberg and school administrators to thoughtfully plan a counseling and therapy room with sensory elements that allows students to decompress; while a faculty recharge room was provided to offer staff a peaceful place to plan, collaborate and relax.

Clarkston High School

Clarkston, Georgia

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 has always been a safe haven for our students, faculty and staff. We accommodate our extremely diverse student population's needs for a quiet place to study, research, read or pray. Our sixty-year-old school was in desperate need of an update from the older traditional library look to a more modern Media Center that represents where we are now. We needed a transformation and more importantly, our students needed to know they deserve to have this experience."

Over the summer, the school experienced flooding which caused damage to the newly installed flooring. Thanks to the generosity of Mohawk, a second donation of LVT flooring will be installed during fall break.

Duluth Middle School

Duluth, Georgia

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 has revitalized this cherished science lab, transforming it into an inviting and inspiring environment. The redesign included the integration of modern technology, new lab equipment, new flooring provided by Mohawk and updated furniture and storage from Ernie Morris with a pop of "Duluth purple". This refreshed learning hub is sure to spark excitement and curiosity for science, inspiring students to pursue in STEM fields.

Southeast Whitfield High School

Dalton, Georgia

Southeast Whitfield High School received a well-deserved School Crashers makeover to transform its sensory room. With a significant number of students in both intellectual and physical disability programs, as well as an autism program, the sensory room is an essential resource. However, it lacked the necessary equipment and an inviting atmosphere to fully meet the needs of these students. The School Crashers makeover grant revamped the room into a functional, calming and welcoming space, complete with sensory equipment, soothing activities and calming colors and patterns through updated paint and flooring. This upgrade has created a dedicated area that not only meets students' emotional and sensory needs but also enhances their ability to engage in learning, fostering an environment where all students can thrive.

Northwest Laurens Elementary School

Dudley, Georgia

Northwest Laurens Elementary School was nominated by Ashley Walker, the school's instructional coach, who proposed repurposing a cluttered storage room to become a community resource room for students and families. This new space is where students, parents and teachers can borrow materials, activities, and games to aid in student success and improve reading comprehension. The resource room also has new storage units, fresh paint, decor, flooring and comfortable furniture. This transformation not only provides necessary resources but also strengthens the bond between the school and its community, promoting student achievement and well-being.

LOOK AT THESE TRANSFORMATIONS

See for yourself the incredible impact the School Crashers program has made in local communities over the past decade.

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VIEW PAST GRANT RECIPIENTS

Our Impact So Far

Awarded

School Crashers grants

Invested

$ 3

Million

towards enhancing educational spaces in local schools

Impacted

59,641

students who now enjoy a better learning environment

“

We are so grateful to Georgia United School Crashers for transforming our storage room into an amazing and beautiful parent and student resource room. The space will give our families the tools they need to help student succeed at home and in the classroom. Thank you so much for investing in our kids and our community! We appreciate it!

- Ashley W., Instructional Coach, NW Laurens Elementary

“

When I see the new (Clarkston High School) Media Center I see something conducive to learning, reading, and boosting morale. Most importantly this space will strengthen our partnerships with our communities and families.

- Elijah P., Chief of Staff, DeKalb County School District

“

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

“

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 Foundation Wraps Up 2025 School Crashers Program

Aug 19, 2025

DULUTH, GA – Georgia United Credit Union is proud to celebrate another successful year of its annual School Crashers® program—one of the Foundation’s largest community service initiatives. This program provides accredited K-12 schools across Georgia the opportunity to apply for facility improvements that school budgets often can't cover. By enhancing learning environments for students, faculty, and staff, we are strengthening education and building better communities across the state.

The nomination period opened in mid-December, inviting schools to submit a photograph and a 250-word essay explaining why their school should receive a makeover. By the January 31 deadline, the Foundation received submissions from 212 schools. Following a rigorous judging process, five deserving schools were selected to receive facility makeovers during the summer.

Congratulations to the 2025 grant recipients:

School	City	Students Served	Updated School Areas
Apalachee High School	Winder	1,800	Student Calming space with therapy "pods"; Faculty Recharge Room
Duluth Middle School	Duluth	1,200	Science Lab Classroom
Clarkston High School	Clarkston	1,560	Media Center & Offices
NW Laurens Elementary School	Dudley	900	Parent/Student Resource Room
Southeast Whitfield High School	Dalton	1,512	Sensory Room

Check out the incredible before and after photos of each space here.

Thanks to the generosity of donors, community partners and volunteers, Georgia United Foundation has now impacted 81 schools and contributed nearly $3 million to create better learning environments for Georgia students.

Funding for the School Crashers program is provided by the Georgia United Foundation and generous donations made by community partners. If you or your organization would like to contribute to impactful programs like these, visit www.gucufoundation.org/donate. The above schools received their project improvements over the summer before the start of the new school year. To learn more about the School Crashers program and view photos of past School Crashers recipients, visit www.gucufoundation.org/schoolcrashers.

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) public charity and is the philanthropic arm of Georgia United Credit Union. For details on volunteering or making an in-kind donation, please contact foundation@gucu.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 $2.3 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.