Your project essay, written on the ‘WHY’ page of your project draft, is your chance to explain to donors what you’re requesting and how those items will benefit your students.
An effective essay is clear and specific, illustrating why your classroom and students will benefit from each and every item on your list!
Think about, and include in your essay:
- What makes your students special?
- How will the specific items you’re requesting make a difference in their learning?
- What are the goals for this project?
Here are some additional tips for a successful essay:
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Make sure all of your requested items are mentioned in the essay, so it’s clear why you’re requesting the resources you are.
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- If you are requesting many versions of a single resource type (like a variety of different books, or several different types of snacks), you do not need to list each version individually.
- If you are requesting miscellaneous items that are not directly tied to your lesson plan (like general classroom supplies or a bonus item for your classroom), do not forget to explain the student benefit of those items, so it’s clear to donors why each item on your resource list is being requested for this project.
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- Tie your resource list and project goals to a direct student benefit. What will your students gain by having access to these resources?
- Tell us about your students through their skills, talents, and interests.
- When in doubt, answer the above prompts simply and directly. There’s no need to be overly eloquent (unless you’d like to be!).
You can check out some superb examples of project essays with our A+ project descriptions!
Once you submit your project, your essay – along with the rest of your project – will be screened by our team of volunteers. If you need to make an edit to your project after you’ve submitted it, you can return it to draft to make edits yourself. Making edits to your project will not change your place in line to be screened.
If your project is returned to draft with requests for edits from our screening team, don’t worry! You’ll have the chance to review your essay, make sure all the requested information listed above is described clearly, and resubmit. Your project will be rescreened based on the original submission date.
For more help on writing your essay, see our sample essay template with examples.