Ripple Pledges $25 Million to Support US Classrooms and Teachers

Ripple, a prominent blockchain technology company, has announced a substantial $25 million pledge aimed at supporting classrooms and teachers across the United States. This initiative is designed to provide essential resources to both students and educators, with the goal of improving academic outcomes, fostering economic resilience, and preparing for a rapidly changing job market.

Despite the well-known correlation between educational success and long-term economic opportunity, many classrooms across the country continue to struggle with inadequate resources. A recent survey highlighted that 55% of US parents and adults expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of K-12 education, citing widespread concerns about funding constraints in the education sector. Ripple’s pledge seeks to address these challenges by providing critical support to students, teachers, and school staff, ultimately helping to rebuild confidence and drive positive results in the classroom.

“Ripple has always championed financial and educational access for all, and we’re partnering with some of the most impactful organizations—DonorsChoose and Teach For America—to benefit thousands of classrooms across the US,” said Brad Garlinghouse, CEO of Ripple. He emphasized the hope that this initiative will inspire others to contribute, starting with Teacher Appreciation Week and continuing throughout the year to ensure that educators and students have the necessary resources to create a brighter future.

In a unique approach, the majority of the $25 million grant will be disbursed in Ripple USD (RLUSD), the company’s US dollar-backed stablecoin. Ripple’s partnerships with these organizations will focus on a range of innovative initiatives throughout the year. This includes funding for thousands of classroom projects and teacher requests during Teacher Appreciation Week, supporting Teach For America’s Ignite tutoring program nationwide, and launching a national STEM Innovation Challenge.

Additionally, Ripple unveiled that the collaboration aims to enhance financial literacy among students and educators, equipping them with the skills necessary for success in a dynamic job market. “Teachers are going the extra mile for their students’ education, even spending hundreds—sometimes thousands—of dollars out-of-pocket for their classrooms,” said Alix Guerrier, CEO of DonorsChoose. He praised Ripple’s initiative for providing direct support to teachers, enabling them to access materials that enhance learning experiences and set students on a path to a successful future.

Aneesh Sohoni, CEO of Teach For America, expressed gratitude for Ripple’s transformative support. “This funding will expand our Ignite Tutoring Fellows program, drive innovation in our Reinvention Lab, and provide crucial financial assistance to thousands of new corps members during their teacher preparation. With Ripple’s partnership, we’re advancing our mission to ensure every child has access to an excellent education and the opportunity to thrive.”

Ripple’s $25 million pledge is a significant step towards addressing the educational challenges faced by many classrooms across the US. By partnering with DonorsChoose and Teach For America, Ripple aims to provide essential resources and support to educators and students, ultimately fostering a brighter future for all. The initiative not only seeks to improve academic outcomes but also to enhance financial literacy and prepare students for a rapidly changing job market. The unique approach of disbursing the grant in Ripple USD (RLUSD) further underscores Ripple’s commitment to leveraging blockchain technology for social good.