Real stories from the field — updates on our programs, community milestones, and the children whose lives are being transformed.
📅 March 15, 2025 | By Matt Bronfman
On a warm Saturday morning in March, volunteers from across Atlanta gathered at the Vine City Community Center for what became our most impactful Back-to-School Supply Drive to date. Over 400 children — representing 14 different zip codes — received fully stocked backpacks, notebooks, pencils, crayons, and age-appropriate books, all donated by our generous community of supporters.
The event, which ran from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., drew 80 volunteers, three corporate sponsors, and a surprise visit from a local city council member who pledged additional funding for our fall drive. "When I see the look on a child's face when they get a brand-new backpack," said Program Director Denise Washington, "I remember exactly why we do this work."
The drive was funded in part by a $30,000 grant from the Atlanta Community Food Bank's education arm and individual donations from over 200 supporters. Planning is already underway for our August drive, which we aim to expand to 600 children.
Read Full Story →
February 4, 2025
A $75,000 grant from the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta enables us to open tutoring centers in Vine City, Bankhead, and Westside, serving 120 additional students per week.
Read More →
January 20, 2025
18th and Spring has formally joined a citywide coalition of 22 nonprofits advocating for equitable school funding and expanded mental health services in Title I schools.
Read More →
December 10, 2024
At our annual scholarship ceremony, we awarded $128,000 in scholarships to 42 students — our largest cohort to date. Three recipients are first-generation college students.
Read More →
November 5, 2024
In partnership with a local urban farming nonprofit, 60 students from three schools spent a weekend building and planting a community garden that will supply fresh produce to school cafeterias.
Read More →
October 18, 2024
Our third annual fundraising gala at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis brought together 300 supporters and raised a record $210,000 — enough to fund scholarships for 70 students for a full year.
Read More →
September 22, 2024
A group of 80 students from our program spent the day at Atlanta's National Center for Civil and Human Rights, exploring exhibits on the civil rights movement and its connection to educational justice.
Read More →