"What Most Schools Don't Teach" (Short Film)

"Everybody in the country should learn how to program a computer...because it teaches you how to think." - Steve Jobs

We here at DonorNation want to ensure the best quality of education for students and for the future generations to come, that includes encouraging the growth of computer programming in our schools. Watch this video featuring Bill Gates and Marc Zuckerberg in order to learn about a new "superpower" that isn't being taught in 90% of US schools.

Business Profile: Interview with Sports Psychologist, Dr. Jason Galea

We are proud to welcome a new DonorNation citizen, Dr. Jason Galea. Not only is Dr. Galea a well-respected sports psychologist in San Diego, he is also well known for his youth-focused hockey program. His dedication to working with student athletes over the past twelve years has made a positive impact in the local community.





Dr. Jason Galea understands first-hand how sports can play an important role in a child's development. He has become a strong advocate of all types of student-athletic programs. In his interview, he explains how his commitment to the community aligns with the mission of DonorNation.

DonorNation: Why did you become a sports psychologist?

Dr. Jason Galea: Freshmen year, I had a defining moment during my first hockey game. A key member of our team had a nervous breakdown. As we headed out on a bus the next day, we were introduced to a sports physiologist who helped us deal with the crisis and supported us through the rest of the season.
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Until this person stepped onto that bus, I didn't know the profession existed. From there, my entire life    changed. After working closely with him, I discovered that his profession aligned with my interests and

strengths. Because of him, I realized where I wanted to take my life next.

DonorNation: Jason, we understand you've been running a hockey program for the last 10 years in San Diego. Please tell us how it began. 

Dr. Jason Galea: At first, I coached kids while earning my graduate degree at USD. From there I became the head coach of the entire program. Fast forward ten years and here I am still coaching the program! What began as a part-time job while attending school, quickly became a passion. Coaching kids in hockey has become an integral part of my life.

DonorNation: How have sports been affected by cutbacks made to education?

Dr. Jason Galea: There are a lot of student athletes suffering from the impact of cutbacks. They are dealing with a high level of frustration and a lack of focus. Losing these athletic programs is alarming especially when these programs can help kids stay in school, keep them from venturing down a rebellious path and have an overall positive affect on their life choices. Music, arts and sports programs are critical to their development. Without them, students are missing out on a way to funnel their energy, creativity and talent.

DonorNation: Why is it important to you to support your community?


Dr. Jason Galea: When my two friends and I arrived here from Canada twelve years ago we felt as if we were orphans. However, the local community members quickly invited us into their homes and encouraged, supported and mentored us. From there I learned how one person can make a profound difference in the lives of others. I help my community as a way to pay it forward. I want to coach kids on and off the ice and be a resource for parents. It's my way of giving back.

DonorNation: How is donornation supporting you as an entrepreneur?

Dr. Jason Galea: Thanks to DonorNation, I have a business page that promotes my services to all of the school communities on the system, with 10% of each transaction supporting a school of the buyer’s choice. As an entrepreneur, DonorNation provides me with exposure on a scale larger than I could achieve on my own. In time, DonorNation will be working with schools and communities across the country, not just in San Diego. It has the potential to be the next eBay, or Match.com. I look forward to having the opportunity to work with more kids, families and coaches. The best part? I now have the ability to give back in a more significant way than before.

DonorNation: Thank you for taking the time to speak with us, Dr. Jason Galea.

Find out how Dr. Jason Galea is making a difference. Visit his DonorNation storefront.

Business Profile: Charitable Organic Sweet

This week we are proud to feature two of our newest DonorNation citizens, Gilbert Badilla and his wife Maria. Gilbert is the owner of Charitable Organic Sweet (COS) and his wife, Maria, is a drama teacher at a San Diego high school. Now you can enjoy Gil's delectable confections knowing that your purchase is helping to maintain and improve the quality of education at local schools. In the DonorNation marketplace, COS empowers the buyers of their organic chocolates to direct 10% of the purchase price to a school of their choice. Of course, as a high-school teacher, Maria is thrilled at the prospect!

Indulge in sweetness with a conscience—you'll enjoy a delicious experience and help your favorite school with each bite! Read our interview with Gil and Maria to learn more about COS and also hear directly from one of our local teachers about the challenges that local schools face in fundraising. Plus, find out why they both support the DonorNation philanthropic marketplace.

DonorNation: Why did you start Charitable Organic Sweet?

Gil: I started COS out of the love of being in the kitchen. I have worked in the legal field for years, however my true passion is baking. Initially, I started making chocolate treats in my spare time as a hobby. Eventually friends started requesting my baked goods for holidays and it skyrocketed from there.

DonorNation: Why is it important to you to support your community?

Gil: As I launched, I knew I wanted to give back and am baffled as to why every company doesn't do the same. 10% is doable as a business owner and in return it is something we can all absorb as a community. My client is the community. With that said, I have embedded the principle of “giving back” within the mission of my company.

DonorNation: How does DonorNation's mission to support local schools and local business align with the values of COS?

Gil: The concept is very similar to my initial business plan—the philanthropic marketplace is right up my alley. My ultimate goal is to give back to our community on a larger scale. DonorNation allows me to do just that. It is different than any other platform I see out there. As a business owner, it provides me with the tools to build my client base while also empowering my customers to give back to our schools.

Plus, from my teacher wife, I have learned first-hand the challenges of fundraising. Most folks hands are often tied when it comes to traditional fundraising—there is only so much time and money people can give. However, now with DonorNation, you can help schools fundraise on auto-pilot with minimal time and effort required. It provides schools with a sustainable source of funding 24/7/365.

DonorNation: Your goal is to turn COS into a full-time business. How is DonorNation supporting you as an entrepreneur? 

Gil: The first thing that comes to mind is that  DonorNation helps me reach new clients. The platform introduces me to a whole new audience that I would not have been connected to without  DonorNation. Ultimately, the marketplace provides me with greater exposure.

DonorNation: Maria, as a school teacher, you experience the funding crisis first-hand. How has it impacted your school?

Maria: As a school, we are left to bridge budget shortfalls by relying heavily on fundraising. However, fundraising is difficult to do in any type of educational establishment. You have to take into account the fact that each school has its own set of rules which are in addition to the rules that are set by each school district. As a result, funding is constraining, inconsistent and limited.

DonorNation: What are the biggest challenges your school faces with respect to fundraising?

Maria: We typically sell food items at sporting events. However, our options are sweets, or junk food. These types of items are not healthy for our students, nor do they set a healthy example. We also find that it can sometimes be difficult to reach our fundraising goals since many of our clubs are selling the same exact options at the same events. Therefore, our clubs are left competing with one another.

DonorNation: Why do want your school to have a DonorNation marketplace?

Maria: It would be great to have a marketplace on DonorNation for our high school! The marketplace offers a range of items that can be used for fundraising—these options surpass our limited access.  Furthermore, our school would benefit from having the opportunity to generate funds consistently and more often. Currently, we rely on one, or two events every couple of months. With DonorNation anyone can jump online, shop a selection of products and make a donation to us!

DonorNation: How do you feel DonorNation will help your high school save its arts programs?

Maria: DonorNation would definitely help the Theatrical Arts program stay alive! First the marketplace would help create awareness in our community. Through the platform, members would have the opportunity to make purchases and direct their donations directly to our program. Theatre is a subject that is always changing and always growing—by being able to have the public take an active interest in what we do, they too can be a part of something that is incredibly rewarding and enriching.

DonorNation: Thank you Gil and Maria for taking the time to speak with us.

Visit the Charitable Organic Sweet storefront.

We’re Inspired By: Will.i.am

Image courtesy of LAConfidentialMagazine.com

This week we would like to pay tribute to Will.i.am, the lead singer of the Black Eyed Peas.

Will.i.am has created the i.am.angel Foundation with the goal to “trans4m lives through education, inspiration and opportunity”. One of his big initiatives is to encourage involvement in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math -- the STEM subjects. He believes STEM will power the economy to lift neighborhoods from poverty and argues why it is imperative to help our children pursue careers in STEM fields.

Taking it even one step further, Will.i.am has proposed STEM to become STEAM, now to integrate the Arts as well. A partnership with i.am.angel Foundation and Discovery Education has created a program called i.am.STEAM, intended to bring science, technology, engineering, art and math to K-12 classrooms around the country. He even partnered with NASA to premier his single, “Reach for the Stars (Mars Edition)” in August 2012 in an effort to inspire students to cultivate an interest in science.

On February 7th, Will.i.am hosted a benefit concert called "Transf4m" to raise money for his hometown, Boyle Heights. The i.am.boyle.heights center will be a major resource for transforming the community located in East Los Angeles. It will offer a range of programs equipped with resources to help students get into college.

Will.i.am we salute you for your initiatives to improve education in America.