Help me give my students the materials and shoes to help them learn to work hard, gain independence and learn the business of shoe customization.
$4,418 goal
This project expired on June 11, 2025.
This project expired on June 11, 2025.
My Project
This special project is for 5th grade and several 8th graders. I have spoken with my students about creating their own businesses with minimal start-up costs. The reality is that every child might not find college to be a good fit. Some children may decide to attend a trade school and yet others might find college elusive, no matter how much we as educators encourage and guide them towards that path. The time to speak with them about their future is now and to show them that there are many options available for them if they work hard. Within the world of the arts there are a variety of careers available and one that can be very profitable is shoe customization. The children have chosen their demographic and are working on designs for that specific group. The plan is for the children to create designs to be painted on Nike shoes.
I have made the initial investment of providing Angelus Leather and Fabric paint, paintbrushes, medium sized canvas pouches and as a progression, unpainted squishies.
The students have practiced on medium sized canvas pouches to give them the tactile understanding and experience of painting on and around curved and irregular surfaces. After the canvas pouches, the students have moved on to the unpainted “Squishies”; which mimic the smooth texture of the shoes, so when the children move onto the shoes, they will be ready to fully engage in the activity with minimal errors.
After weeks of planning and training, my students are ready to move forward. Some of my students can afford to supply their own shoes, but most cannot. The fact is that we need more supplies to ensure their success.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
46 students impacted
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Nike Boys Court Borough Mid 2 Leather Athletic Shoes, White/White, 5 Big Kid
• Amazon Business
$53.89
1
$53.89
Angelus Acrylic Leather Paint 4oz White
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$9.95
4
$39.80
90 Pcs 400 to 3000 Grit Wet Dry Sandpaper Assortment 9x3.6 Inch for Automotive Sanding - Furniture Finishing - Wood Turing Finishing and More by VERONES
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$13.94
1
$13.94
Angelus Acrylic Leather Paint, Satchel Tan
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$13.64
1
$13.64
Angelus Acrylic Leather Paint Burgundy 4oz
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$13.62
1
$13.62
Angelus Matte Acrylic Finisher – Flexible Clear Coat for Leather Shoes, Bags, Jackets & Accessories, Matte Finish for Leather Craft & Restoration. No. 620-4 fl oz
• Amazon Business
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Parker Johnson and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
