A crucial goal of Kaylin Gardner's was to create an inclusive environment for fostering a love of music and creative expression among her students. As a music teacher at Arnold Elementary, she’s enhanced her teaching experience using the Fund a Need crowdfunding platform.
Her introduction to Fund a Need came during a school meeting, where she learned about the platform's potential to support educational projects not covered by the school's budget. Fund a Need, a program by the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools, allows LPS teachers or staff members to easily set up and manage fundraising campaigns to support the unique needs of their students and schools. From essential classroom supplies and innovative projects to field trips and staff appreciation, Fund a Need empowers teachers to bring their ideas to life with the support of our generous community.
Her first campaign was acquiring a set of 30 ukuleles for her students. After seeing other schools in Lincoln using them in elementary education, she saw the value in introducing instruments like ukuleles that could engage students creatively.
The impact was immediate and profound. Not only did the campaign meet its goal, but it paved the way for further innovations in her teaching approach. Recognizing the practical challenges of using heavy xylophones stored in inaccessible cupboards, Mrs. Gardner utilized Fund a Need to purchase carts for these instruments. This simple change dramatically increased accessibility, exposing students to more instruments more often.
Since 2019, Mrs. Gardner has raised over $12,000 for her classroom, thanks to the generous support of the community. This collective effort has created a unique music community at Arnold, where students have equal opportunity to participate without worrying about their financial situation at home. Some projects include purchasing violins for students who couldn’t afford them, allowing five students to attend the Nebraska Music Educator's Orff Ensemble, music t-shirts for students, books and sheet music, audio tracks, and so much more.
Kaylin said, “Fund a Need changed the entire way I teach." The ability to fundraise directly for classroom needs meant that every student could actively participate in music education without waiting for their turn.
The ukuleles, in particular, became a gateway for many students to explore music further. Some students even returned to share how their experience with the ukuleles had sparked their interest in guitar. In one memorable project, Arnold students wrote and performed their songs on the ukulele, highlighting the creativity unlocked by these resources. This not only enhanced their musical skills but also boosted their confidence and self-expression.
Mrs. Gardner's experience illustrates how the Fund a Need platform can empower educators to enrich their classrooms beyond traditional budget limitations, impacting student engagement and learning outcomes.
