Spartan Grants help to fuel the programs and resources that make Thomas Jefferson High School extraordinary. photo by Emanuel Morales-Gomez
Spartan Grants create opportunities, inspire innovation, and transform student success.
Within the walls of Thomas Jefferson High School, the growing demand for innovation, creativity, and student growth has never been greater. Providing a top tier education with extracurricular activities and clubs comes at a cost. That’s where the Spartan Grants step in.
Funded by the ParentTeacher Organization (PTO), Spartan Grants address financial gaps, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to get the resources they need to succeed. From providing books for English students to dance parties for the Unified Program, Spartan Grants are transforming the educational experience for everyone at TJ. This year donations to the Spartan Grants will be done directly through the Spartan Grant Drive which will directly fund these efforts, and we’re counting on the community to keep this vital program going. The grants have historically supported countless programs, departments, and initiatives, all of which play a crucial role in shaping the TJ experience. These grants allow students and staff to explore new opportunities, overcome financial barriers, and bring innovative ideas to life. English teachers have used Spartan Grants to fund critical classroom materials, like sets of books, ensuring students can fully engage with classics like Invisible Man and The Marrow Thieves. These books fundamentally provide every student with equal access to the literature in the curriculum. Spartan Grants also provide field trips, dance parties, and monthly lunches for all of the students in the Unified Program here at TJ. These initiatives foster inclusion, allowing students with diverse abilities to connect and grow with achievements and support.
Beyond just the classroom, Spartan Grants enhance the overall student experience at TJ, creating a strong sense of community. First Friday prizes and Problem of the Week awards are funded by the Spartan Grants to keep students motivated to excel academically and engage with the school community. These small yet impactful events recognize hard work, and also create a culture behind student success. Support for clubs overall is a big target for Grant Funding; lots of TJ’s vibrant clubs can host lunches, fund supplies, and provide resources for their members. This support ensures that every club can find resources if they need them.
Within some of the classes that have received grants in the past, like DECA, students were able to prepare for national competition, covering costs for transportation and materials that allowed them to represent TJ on the big stage. Specialized equipment and subscriptions for business and technical classes ensure that students have the tools needed to learn and innovate. The Speech and Debate team relied on Spartan Grant funding to cover both tournament fees and transportation costs. These grants ensure that TJ students could participate in local regional events where they developed critical thinking, public speaking, and persuasive skills. By making it possible for students to attend these events, the grants not only elevated the experience for the students, but also prepared them for future success at the collegiate and professional level. By funding these career focused initiatives, like CCT, Spartan Grants ensure that TJ students are not just academically prepared but equipped with the tools, experiences and confidence to excel in their chosen paths.
Aside from Career and Technical arts, Spartan Grants play an essential role in nurturing the creative spirit of the Art Department. Grants have previously provided much needed resources to the schools programs. These funds ensure that students have all the tools needed to fully develop their artistic talents. Supplies like color printer tools, and essential art supplies have been transformative for student artists, allowing them to have access to high quality printing. Supply funding has also fueled the program allowing students to achieve precision and technique using materials that allow students for potential careers in design or fine arts. Through Grants, arts programs can continue to succeed in building projects, whether for personal designs, or student talents to be shared with the entire community.
The Spartan Grants have a far reaching impact for students across TJ, helping to improve the quality of education and student life. By supporting the Spartan Grants, you directly are contributing to Equal Opportunity within the TJ community, ensuring that students have all the materials needed, regardless of their financial background. Supporting programs like Unified Education, countless club lunches, field trips, competitions, and incentives for students can all be accredited to your donation.
In order to get involved today, and help make a difference in the lives of TJ students and teachers, the donation link can be found on the weekly TJ Newsletter, as well as directly through the Spartan Grant Drive. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps create a brighter future for the TJ community. Together, we can make a difference and help enrich our school to the greatest extent, that year by year, that makes the Spartan experience. Any donation amount is welcome and appreciated. The 2024 goal is to raise $20,000. To read more and donate, visit TJ Spartan Grant Drive. Please consider sharing with family and friends.
