The Olivia Hamilton Excellence in Teaching Foundation set a simple rule: funds must touch students within 60 days of disbursement. We launched three tracks:
- Direct Classroom Grants — $500 to $5,000 for books, science kits, art supplies, headphones, field-trip buses, or assistive tech.
- Teacher Wellness & Retention — coverage for substitute days to attend grief counseling, professional development, or to recover from burnout before burnout becomes resignation.
- Grow-Your-Own Fellowships — tuition support for paraprofessionals becoming certified teachers and for veteran educators completing literacy, ESL, or special education endorsements.
In the first six months: 127 graduate-course stipends awarded, 89 classrooms funded, and more than 200 educators received mental-health support — real, measurable nonprofit impact. We publish receipts, outcomes, and photos (with permissions) because transparency keeps trust.
