United to Learn kicks off five weekends of service to neighborhood schools on Feb. 26.
The Dallas nonprofit “mobilizes the community to close opportunity gaps in Dallas public elementary schools.”
Its annual Community Campus Day events invite volunteers from companies and schools to complete projects that make learning joyful.
“Research shows that joyful, enriched learning environments can increase productivity and engagement by 15% and more. While improving surroundings is critical, it is not easily afforded by limited public school budgets,” a media release from United to Learn states.
At some schools, volunteers will build gardens. At one, they are transforming a classroom into a fully equipped science lab. In others, they will enhance teacher wellness rooms, create a dual-purpose “zen den” where students can calm themselves or update existing gardens.
The Oak Cliff schools benefiting from the volunteer events, which run through April 23, are Elisha M. Pease Elementary, John Neely Bryan Elementary and Nancy J. Cochran Elementary.
