DeKalb County Commissioner Michelle Spears donates $50K for science field trips to District 2 students

DEKALB COUNTY, GA — In an effort to expand educational opportunities for students in District 2, DeKalb County Commissioner Michelle Long Spears has donated $50,000 to the DeKalb Schools Educational Foundation, Inc. The funding will support science-focused field trips for schools within the district, providing invaluable hands-on learning experiences for students who might not otherwise have the chance to explore beyond the classroom.

“The incredible wonders of science truly come alive when students step out of the classroom and into the world,” Spears remarked. “By supporting these field trips, we’re not just covering expenses but opening doors to imagination and possibilities. Every child deserves the opportunity to explore, discover, and be inspired by the world around them, regardless of their financial circumstances.”

As a STE(A)M education leader, the DeKalb County School District (DCSD) supports 32 certified schools and programs focused on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. The district regularly organizes educational trips to scientific sites and facilities, using its proximity to key locations to enhance learning.

For example, elementary and middle school students embark on annual trips to the Georgia Coast, where they dive into marine science and coastal ecology at prominent sites such as Skidaway Island, Tybee Island, and Jekyll Island. These immersive experiences reinforce classroom lessons and often spark a lifelong passion for science in young minds.

The donation from District 2 Commissioner Spears represents a meaningful investment in the future of DeKalb County’s students, ensuring that more children can experience the magic of science first-hand and broaden their horizons through real-world exploration. DCSD officials say the science field trips, with an average cost of $500 per student including transportation, lodging, and food, often pose a significant barrier for lower-income families.

“The DeKalb Schools Educational Foundation, Inc. is thrilled about this partnership with Commissioner Michelle Long Spears,” said the foundation’s Executive Director Thurman Green, III. “This donation is more than just financial support. This is an important lifeline for many students who may otherwise miss out on these exceptional learning experiences. By breaking down financial barriers, we’re empowering students to reach their full potential and fostering a deeper love for science that could positively shape their futures in ways we can only imagine.”

DCSD schools eligible for the funding include:

• Ashford Park Elementary School
• Briar Vista Elementary School
• Coralwood School
• Dunwoody Elementary School Upper Campus/Cary Reynolds Elementary School
• Fernbank Elementary School
• Globe Academy Lower Campus
• International Community School
• Laurel Ridge Elementary School
• John Robert Lewis Elementary School
• Montclair Elementary School
• Montgomery Elementary School
• Oak Grove Elementary School
• Sagamore Hills Elementary School
• Woodward Elementary School
• Druid Hills Middle School
• Globe Academy Upper Campus
• Kittredge Magnet School
• Path Academy

The grant is a one-time donation, with funds to be allocated by September 2026.

“This first investment paves the way for stronger community, business, and education partnerships. The $50,000 gift from Commissioner Michelle Long Spears exemplifies the trust and confidence that Commissioner Long Spears has in knowing that the Foundation is actively working to improve academic outcomes and positive exposure for all DeKalb County School students,” said Patricia Smith, Board Chair of the DeKalb Schools Educational Foundation, Inc.

DeKalb Schools Educational Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization that creates effective partnerships to foster well-rounded students and enhance teaching excellence.