Campaign Update and Lead Gift Announcement

Digital equity means all Durham Public School students experience high-quality digital and remote learning. And it’s going to take all of us coming together to make it happen. 

That’s why we’re thrilled to share that 499 people, businesses, organizations, and faith communities have given $493,000 toward our $1.5 million goal since we first announced the Accelerating Digital Equity campaign in late June. 

The rapid, urgent transformation of the learning environment is requiring significant skill, imagination, and money – and our community is showing up. Duke University and Duke Health have responded swiftly to this need in our community by offering financial and non-financial resources in support of the campaign, most significantly with a lead grant of $250,000. 

“DPS’s system-wide implementation of digital equity takes us beyond the urgency of our current situation to create new opportunities for students, teachers, and families,” said Stelfanie Williams, Vice President for Durham and Community Affairs and a member of the Accelerating Digital Equity Campaign Steering Committee. “We are proud to accelerate this transformation with a strategic investment in our community.” 

In addition to Williams’s service on the Campaign Steering Committee, President Vincent E. Price and Chancellor for Health Affairs, A. Eugene Washington are on the Campaign Honorary Committee. Numerous additional Duke faculty, employees, and students are active as volunteer Campaign Accelerators to raise funds in their networks. 

The Accelerating Digital Equity Campaign is raising at least $1.5 million to support DPS and its many partners in the following critical needs for digital equity:  (1) devices and internet access, (2) tech support, (3) well-trained and supported teachers, and (4) physical environments conducive to learning. 

Our community supports DPS Foundation’s COVID-19 response efforts in many ways beyond cash: 168 people and organizations from the Durham community have offered nonfinancial resources such as tutoring and digital literacy support, and more than 75 people have volunteered to assist the campaign as committee members or Campaign Accelerators.

We are extraordinarily grateful to all who have responded to our urgent call for philanthropic contributions. Your support is critical and is needed now. Digital equity affects all DPS students because an equitable classroom advances learning for all.  Can you help us cross the $500,000 mark by the end of August?