Commissioner Spears Donates $50,000 to Support Science Field Trips for DeKalb Students

(STONE MOUNTAIN, GA)— DeKalb County Commissioner Michelle Long Spears has made a significant investment in the future of local students by donating $50,000 to the DeKalb Schools Educational Foundation, Inc. This substantial gift will fund science field trips for schools within District 2, enabling students who might otherwise be unable to afford such experiences to engage in enriching, hands-on learning outside the classroom.

“The incredible wonders of science truly come alive when students step out of the classroom and into the world,” said Commissioner Michelle Long Spears. “By supporting these field trips, we’re not just covering expenses but opening doors to imagination and possibilities. Every child deserves the opportunity to explore, discover, and be inspired by the world around them, regardless of their financial circumstances.”

As a STE(A)M education leader with 32 certified schools and programs, the DeKalb County School District (DCSD) routinely leverages its proximity to first-class scientific attractions and facilities. For example, elementary and middle schools organize annual educational trips to the Georgia Coast, where students explore marine science and coastal ecology at locations such as Skidaway Island, Tybee Island, and Jekyll Island. These immersive experiences reinforce classroom learning and often ignite a lifelong enthusiasm for science.

However, these trips pose a significant barrier for lower-income families, with an average cost of $500 per child, including transportation, lodging, and food, especially for those disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The DeKalb Schools Educational Foundation, Inc. is thrilled about this partnership with Commissioner Michelle Long Spears,” said Thurman Green, III, Executive Director of the Foundation. “This donation is more than just financial support. This is an important lifeline for many students who may otherwise miss out on these exceptional learning experiences. By breaking down financial barriers, we’re empowering students to reach their full potential and fostering a deeper love for science that could positively shape their futures in ways we can only imagine.”

DCSD schools eligible for this funding include:

  • Ashford Park Elementary School
  • Briar Vista Elementary School
  • Coralwood School
  • Dunwoody Elementary School Upper Campus/Cary Reynolds Elementary School
  • Fernbank Elementary School
  • Globe Academy Lower Campus
  • International Community School
  • Laurel Ridge Elementary School
  • John Robert Lewis Elementary School
  • Montclair Elementary School
  • Montgomery Elementary School
  • Oak Grove Elementary School
  • Sagamore Hills Elementary School
  • Woodward Elementary School
  • Druid Hills Middle School
  • Globe Academy Upper Campus
  • Kittredge Magnet School
  • Path Academy

The grant is a one-time donation, with funds to be allocated by September 2026.

“This first investment paves the way for stronger community, business, and education partnerships. The $50,000 gift from Commissioner Michelle Long Spears exemplifies the trust and confidence that Commissioner Long Spears has in knowing that the Foundation is actively working to improve academic outcomes and positive exposure for all DeKalb County School students,” said Patricia Smith, Board Chair of the DeKalb Schools Educational Foundation, Inc.

The DeKalb Schools Educational Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization that creates effective partnerships to foster well-rounded students and enhance teaching excellence. For more information or to contribute to the Foundation, please visit the website HERE or contact Mr. Thurman Green, III, Executive Director of the DeKalb Schools Educational Foundation, Inc. via email at thurman_green@dekalbschoolsga.org or by phone at (404) 310-3562.