Gaming for Inclusivity, Community-Connectedness, and a Place of Belonging
Help me give my students more ways to play games together in a safe, inclusive, and supportive setting.
FULLY FUNDED! Mr. Richard Gardenhire's classroom raised $1,982
This project is fully funded
My Project
I know what you may be thinking—how could three PlayStation 5 consoles possibly contribute to the mental health of high school students? If you're not part of the gaming community, it may be difficult to grasp the profound impact that gaming can have on a young person's life. But let me explain why these PS5s are vital for our E-Sports club and our students' mental well-being.
In today's gaming world, most games aren't "local multiplayer", meaning that they must be played online alone.
Players are often isolated, spending hours alone while playing with strangers online. This lack of real-world connection can be alienating, especially for students who are already struggling with feelings of loneliness or exclusion. Our E-Sports club, however, changes the game—literally and figuratively.
Our club is a crossroads for over 60 students from diverse ethnicities, socio-economic backgrounds, and social circles. It serves as a haven for those who proudly identify as "outcasts" or "nerds," as well as a hangout for kids who don't have anywhere else to go after school. For many, the club is one of the few safe spaces they can count on—a place where they feel seen, valued, and connected.
While the PS5s themselves won't directly "fix" mental health, what they create—a space for students to gather, play their favorite games together, and form lasting friendships—will certainly make an impact. These consoles will help us continue to foster a beautiful, diverse community where students can share their interests, build relationships, and support one another through the challenges they face.
Your support in funding this project will have a lasting impact on our students' lives, helping them find belonging and connection in a world that often feels so disconnected.
More than half of 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
Sony - PlayStation 5 Slim Console Digital Edition - White
• Best Buy Education
$454.84
3
$1,364.52
Sceptre 30-inch Curved Gaming Monitor 21:9 2560x1080 Ultra Wide/ Slim HDMI DisplayPort up to 200Hz Build-in Speakers, Metal Black (C305B-200UN1)
• Amazon Business
$197.93
1
$197.93
Materials cost
$1,562.45
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$68.75
3rd party payment processing fee
$23.44
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$1,684.64
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$297.29
Total project goal
$1,981.93
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$1,981.93
2 Donors
-$987.44
Donations toward project cost
-$845.32
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
-$142.12
match offer
-$987.44
Match offer toward project cost
-$839.32
Match offer to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
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 Mr. Richard Gardenhire and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
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