How Can I Help?

If you are interested in volunteering to help with tornado recovery or preparing for the start of the school year, please fill out the Tornado Recovery Volunteer form.  If you wish to be a full-time partner with the Joplin Schools through the Bright Futures program, please continue below to apply.

If everyone in Joplin could give a little time, a little treasure, or a little talent, it would make a big difference. As a matter of fact, with Bright Futures, it already is! Whether it’s a new or gently used pair of tennis shoes or a winter coat, school supplies, a small cash donation, or an hour or two of personal or professional time, every person who is giving a little is helping a lot. As a grass roots, community based program we are creating partnerships and utilizing resources in the community with one common goal – to help our kids, and to strengthen our families and our community.

You don’t have to donate a fortune, and you don’t have to give more time than you have to spare. We just ask you to tune in and see when and where you can help us make a difference!

Sign up to Volunteer

Are you interested in volunteering with Bright Futures? The possibilities are endless! Our volunteer options are customizable to your interests, schedule and abilities.

Like Us on Facebook!

Facebook is the most up-to-date place to find out if there is a need for any specific situations. We have found that needs are filled quickly through Facebook and that is thanks to the greater Joplin community their unbelievable generosity. Thank you Joplin!

Eagle Angel Fund

The Eagle Angel Fund has been established to help meet the immediate needs of students in the District who don’t have traditional resources for basic needs, school supplies and other necessities. To read more, click here.

Business and Faith-Based Partners

Every school in the district benefits from having at least three business partners and one faith-based partner. Most organizations will have resources to offer, and through these partnerships we are able to offer positive reinforcement and develop mentor programs.

To become a partner, identify a school close to your business or ask leaders in your congregation to consider adopting a school.

Academic All Stars

Academic All Stars are students in grades four through eight who achieve “proficient” or “advanced” rankings on the MAP tests. Last year 1,600 students were recognized, and each All-Star received a t-shirt, certificate, window decal and a variety of gifts from community partners. We need continuous community involvement to keep this positive reinforcement in place and accept small gifts and cash donations to support the project throughout the year.

How can you help?

In addition to donations:

  • Recognize employees who have children that are All Stars.
  • Congratulate the All-Stars on your business sign during the month of October.
  • Congratulate students that you see in the community wearing Academic All Stars t-shirts on their.
  • Provide a $500 scholarship for a child.

 

TREK and Lunch Buddies

Positive role models and mentors are essential to the academic and social success of our kids. Unfortunately, it is not always provided through traditional avenues. TREK is an after-school tutoring program run by the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce. Lunch Buddies, run by Big Brothers, Big Sisters, offers children individualized time and attention at school on a consistent basis during their lunch time.

For more information on TREK, click here. For more information on Lunch Buddies, click here.

You can also encourage your employees to participate by allowing extra time off so they too can be part of something for our community’s future!

For more information, contact Kim Vann.