Laurels for Learning was founded in July 2016. The seeds for Laurels for Learning were planted when I was teaching violin to a young student in rural China. As I was preparing to leave China, I tried to find a local teacher so she could continue her studies. It turned out that the nearest violin teacher was in a city four hours away! I realized that I had to get creative in order for her to continue with the violin.
Fast forward to today, four years later. I teach her violin via video conferencing once every week. I remember all the victories – when she played a Bach Musette with all of the musical nuances she was working on for a month, when she cried tears of joy after correctly playing her first two-octave scale, and many more. I’ve also pushed my limit in teaching and in my own playing. I had to break down my own technique in order to give clearer instructions, and having this skill helped me grow as a musician. I also realized that many deserving students don't have access to private instruction, so I decided to start this organization.
Our mission at Laurels for Learning is to combat educational inequality by providing students of all socioeconomic backgrounds high quality and consistent private instruction in music, creative arts, and sports. With very high costs per hour, regular private instruction is still a luxury for most families. Private lessons are the best way to ensure practice and consistent growth in music and sports, and providing one-to-one instruction will help students learn new knowledge skills, gain confidence, and will ultimately help level the education gap outside the classroom.
About this Fundraiser:
This year, Laurels for Learning will provide private lessons in violin, piano, yoga, and other extracurricular activities to underserved students in the United States, China, and Afghanistan. We need YOUR help to make it happen!
Funds raised from this campaign will be used primarily to support our tutoring programs. In addition, funds will be used to cover our incorporation and operating costs.
For more information, email us at admin@laurelsforlearning.org.
Laurels for Learning, Incorporated is applying to be a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization. Our EIN is 81-3659560. Funds raised beyond our goal will be used to expand our organization’s locations and to support next year’s programming.