Update: The last day to submit a new project for this pilot was April 14th. As of April 15th, no new projects can be submitted. Any projects submitted prior to April 15th will be still be reviewed for eligibility.
DonorsChoose is excited to partner with Ron Clark Academy (RCA) for a limited pilot program to help teachers attend Professional Development workshops at Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, Georgia!
Teachers can create a project with a RCA workshop bundle, which includes the workshop registration fees, daily stipends, and, if needed, travel and lodging costs. These workshops will be in-person (not virtual).
To participate in this pilot program, you must be an eligible DonorsChoose educator and create a project with only one workshop request. Projects containing other classroom or professional development materials, or multiple bundles, will not be approved.
Once posted, projects can follow our usual fundraising process. If funded, teachers will work directly with RCA to arrange workshop selection and travel (if applicable).
CREATING YOUR PROJECT
- Log into your account as an eligible DonorsChoose educator and click Create a Project > Professional Development.
- On the HI page, add "RCA" to the campaign code field. You must add the RCA campaign code to participate.
(Note: you may need to click into a subsequent page, like WHO or WHAT, and then back to the HI page to see the campaign code added.)
- Proceed through the steps to describe your classroom and project goals.
-
On the WHAT page, search for "Ron Clark Academy" to locate the workshop bundles. Please click into each resource package to determine which is best for your travel needs.
You will be able to select one of three workshop bundles, depending on your travel needs. All Ron Clark Academy Workshop bundles include the $1075 registration fee and $325 for food and local transportation. We also offer two higher pricing tiers for supplementary travel costs as needed.Please review each option carefully and select the tier that best fits your anticipated travel costs. You will not be able to change this package once your project has received a donation:
-
Ron Clark Academy - Package #1: Local to Atlanta: $1400
-
Best suited for those traveling from within 4 hours of the greater Atlanta metro area who do not need flight or bus/train costs covered
- The $325 stipend may be used toward local rideshares and/or gas costs for a personal vehicle
- $1075 registration fee, $325 for food and local transportation cost, no overnight travel stipend
-
Best suited for those traveling from within 4 hours of the greater Atlanta metro area who do not need flight or bus/train costs covered
-
Ron Clark Academy - Package #2: Moderate Travel to Atlanta: $2,000
- Best suited for those traveling from cities with moderate flight costs, or those traveling regionally by bus or train
- $1075 registration fee, $325 for food and local transportation cost, $400 hotel stipend, $200 flight or travel stipend
-
Ron Clark Academy - Package #3: Long Distance Travel to Atlanta: $2,300
- Best suited for those traveling by plane from higher-cost regions
-
$1075 registration fee, $325 for food and local transportation cost, $400 hotel stipend, $500 flight or travel stipend
Note: Please only add one workshop bundle to your cart. Projects containing multiple bundles or any other materials will not be approved.
5. Complete the remainder of the project steps and submit.
FUNDED PROJECTS
If your project is fully funded (yay!), you will be asked to confirm your project, including your school information and shipping address. We will be sending instructions via mail to your school, so please be sure to check the accuracy of this information and inform your administration your project was funded.
The funds from your project will be delivered to RCA, who will reach out and work directly with you to plan your workshop and travel. All travel and workshop logistics will be coordinated with Ron Clark Academy directly.
You should receive an email from Ron Clark Academy (RCA) to confirm which conference you want to attend, your principal‘s email, and the best method for issuing your travel funds. They’ll also pass along a waiver for you to sign.
- Once you’ve provided the necessary information, RCA will issue your travel funds along with updates and information about your conference. If you have questions or need to change your conference date, you can reach out directly to the RCA team.
- Use your travel funds towards transportation, accommodation, and other expenses you incur getting to and from RCA.
Note:
- Please keep copies of all receipts associated with workshop expenses for at least one year after project funding.
- If you are an administrator and received a mailer with information on this pilot/workshop, please see the envelope address for the intended educator recipient, or contact us for more information.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
-
What is Ron Clark Academy and/or what are the workshops?
Ron Clark Academy (RCA) professional development conferences are interactive, immersive learning experiences where teachers have the opportunity to observe classes and participate in dynamic workshops on how to ignite a passion for learning, provide meaningful support, encourage academic excellence, foster authentic relationships, and ensure a climate and culture where all students thrive. All conferences will take place in person over a two day period at the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, Georgia.
-
How long will this pilot be available?
We have a limited number of projects available for this pilot during the 2025-2026 school year. Please submit your project as soon as possible for the best chance at participation!
-
Can I submit multiple projects to attend multiple workshops?
No. Only one RCA project per teacher is allowed. You may not create multiple projects for this pilot for any reason, including attending multiple workshops or combining travel funding.
-
When can/do I attend the workshop?
If your project is funded, you can select any workshop date that works for you through summer 2026. RCA will reach out within 2 weeks of your project confirmation to coordinate.
-
What happens if my travel is more expensive than the funds raised?
We understand travel costs can vary as a result of many factors. Please do your best to select the travel bundle you think will reflect costs based off your location. If your travel ultimately ends up being more expensive than the funds raised, you will need to raise the difference outside of DonorsChoose. We will not be able to provide additional funding or switch travel bundles after a project is posted.
-
What happens if my travel is less expensive than the funds raised?
Please use any remaining funds towards additional Professional Development or student resources to support your classroom. Funds should exclusively be used to support your classroom, in line with general DonorsChoose resource eligibility.
-
Do I need permission from my school?
Yes. Please inform your school of your project and workshop plans, and discuss with your administration any processes required by the district for in-person workshops.
-
Can I attend a different in-person PD workshop, other than through RCA?
No. At this time, we are piloting in-person workshop costs exclusively through Ron Clark Academy. All other workshops and conferences must be submitted as virtual trips.
-
Do I need to complete a Thank You Package?
Yes. Please see Thank-you package tips for Professional Development projects for more information.
-
Who do I contact if I have questions?
If you have questions about your project on DonorsChoose, including questions on eligibility, how to post a project, fundraising, and confirming your project, please reach out to us at DonorsChoose directly.
If you have been funded and have questions about workshop logistics, including scheduling your workshop and receiving travel funds, please reach out to Ron Clark Academy's Robin Butler at butler@ronclarkacademy.com