We are a witness to events that even six months ago were unimaginable. No one...no one has been left untouched. For all the uncertainty, for all the worrisome news, for all the things that went undone in the past few months, something more lasting has grown in the space that is usually reserved for self-centered activities.  Selfless service to those in need has become more than an abstract idea; student-driven education has become more than a talking point. A generation of learners is being forged into something far greater than anyone of them could be by themselves. What will emerge from this may very well be the most innovative, most compassionate, and most committed people our nation has seen for a very, very long time.

At EAST, we have been preparing learners of all ages to be the people we need right now and will continue to need in the future. It is with no small amount of pride that we have watched as EAST students, facilitators, alumni, and community partners have lived out this challenge to serve others, learn more, and make a difference now.

This is why I love EAST. It is more than an educational program. It is a way of life that makes everyone it touches aspire to be better. Working with EAST students and educators over the past few months has inspired me more than I can express. The staff at EAST feels like I do, blessed to be a small part of the work that these agents of change have committed to.

Together, EAST and the communities that it serves have partnered with law enforcement, first responders, medical professionals, farmers, educators, and others. We have provided resources to parents to continue to accelerate education with service and technology. The response to this, the generosity has not gone unseen or, most importantly, unfelt.

On this #GivingTuesdayNow, we ask you to support EAST.  Your gifts and donations make a major impact on the lives of thousands. We are grateful for them, but on this #GivingTuesdayNow we are asking for more than this. We are asking for your voices. Please share your stories, your words of encouragement, and your heart for service with these incredible students and facilitators. Help us let them know that you, too, are inspired by them and that, together—all of us—are committed to making sure their hard work is celebrated.