SOW Generously is a nonprofit whose mission is to help students in the rural South who, because of a lack of education funding and geographic isolation, are often left behind and deprived of the educational opportunities that are available to students residing in metropolitan areas. By communicating and working with administration, staff, teachers, coaches and people involved with rural school systems, SOW identifies areas that lack funding that will positively affect rural students, especially minority students. While rural school systems do a phenomenal job with the resources they have, there is a well recognized gap between resources available to rural systems compared to urban and suburban systems. Rural students should have educational opportunities equal to students in metropolitan areas. Sadly, that is not the case as educational funding is largely based upon ad valorem taxation. Rural areas typically have a much lower tax base which results in depressed funding. These areas are usually economically depressed and below the poverty level. Although all rural students are affected, Black and Hispanic students are affected most. The Advisory Board of SOW is a diverse group and made up of individuals who understand rural life and the disadvantage rural students have. SOW is passionate about making a difference in the lives of these students.
Although we just started activities in September, 2022, several areas of need have been identified to which donations will be directed including the following:
Computer Science equipment. Due to lack of funding for equipment, many rural schools lag behind in the computer science area. SOW is identifying school systems that need help with purchase of equipment and will direct funds to those systems that are in need and open to donations. Access to technology resources can be horizon broadening experiences and opportunities to develop self esteem through competence.
Supplements for teachers in the areas of language, media and fine arts. In the rural South, Hspanics have become a signicant portion of the rural population. In some rural counties, Hispanics comprise the largest minority. Because of this change in demographics, ability to communicate in Spanish has become an important factor in community integration. Unfortunately, it is difficult to attract Spanish teachers to rural school system. For example, in one rural, South Georgia county, the Spanish teacher is located one hundred miles away. Maintaining consistency with quality instruction is difficult because of the salaries and supplements that urban systems offer. The same problem exists regarding fine arts. Music, media, acting and dance can change a student's life and open up a new world. The same problem exists with regard to instructors in the fine arts. In order to maintain consistency, supplements are needed in these areas. Provision of equipment is critical in order to give the insructor the tools needed to be consistent and successful in these areas.
Summer Academic Programs. Many gifted rural students who desire to pursue post secondary education do not have the funds necessary to attend academic programs offered by universities. Exposure to talented university instructors can foster, motivate and encourage these students. SOW attempts to identify and assist those rural students who can benefit from these programs but do not have the funds to attend.
Financial Assistance. SOW offers financial assistance to deserving rural students who desire to pursue a college degree or post secondary vocational training.
Alternative Schools. Placement of students in an alernative school is often the last chance some students have in the school system. In small rural school systems, the number of students in alternative school at any one time is often not enough to justify funding of regular classroom instruction, In addition, the number of students is often not enough to generate funding for adequate alternative school facilities. Additional funding can make a difference in transition of these students back into a regular classroom and in changing the course of their lives.
Mentorship. Many rural kids have noone that mentors them, including parents. SOW seeks out volunteers who came from a rural school and can share their journey to success in the professional, vocational or athletic fields.
Tutors. Students often struggle in certain areas, expecially math and science. SOW seels volunteers to tutor students who need extra help and donations to fund onsite, after school tutors.
College entrance exams and essays. Urban students have many resources available to assist them in improving college entrance exam scores and essays. Rural students can increase their chances of admission to a good university with good scores and essays. Making courses and training available to these students will directly affect their chances of admission.
Athletics. There is no debate about the enormous impact athletics has on students in rural schools. Athletics is the only reason many rural students don't drop out of school. Small towns in rural areas identify with the school teams. Rural athletes do not get the exposure that athletes in urban areas get. Many athletes who are talented enough to play at a D1 school are never looked at just because scouts and coaches are not aware of their existence. Most small rural schools do not have the staff to provide consistent, quality media, live streams and promotion of athletes. There is normally no one dedicated to promotion of the athletes to colleges. Help with equipment, personnel and promotion of athletes can result in more rural athletes obtaining scholarships to colleges.SOW works with individuals in rural areas who are interested in exposure of these athletes. There are many challenges not the least of which is poor broadband service. Most rural schools have no internet at their athletic facilities resulting in reliance on a cell signal which is many times non-existent in some rural locations. Help with equipment, internet and training can make a difference in the lives of rural athletes.
Many rural athletic programs have no consistent funding for basic equipment and apparel. Nothing helps the self esteem of rural athletes than having proper uniforms and equipment. The contrast is stark when a small rural school competes with schools from urban or sububan areas. Many have no funds to provide meals for athletes on away games. Since there are very few businesses in many rural areas, local donors are for all practical purposes non-existents. Many rural athletes have no access to proper nutrition on a daily basis. SOW attempts to assist with funding in these areas.
Vision and Hearing. Vision and hearing problems are many times unrecognized in rural schools because of the lack of testing equipment and lack of health care professionals in these areas. SOW works to assist in the purchase of vision and hearing testing equipment that can help identify students with vision or hearing problems. SOW seeks volunteer health professionals that can interpret tests and provide some care that is not available in many rural areas.
