Learning Makes a Difference Foundation Announces $25,000 Grant From Dunn Foundation

/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Learning Makes a Difference Foundation has been awarded a $25,000 grant by the Robert and Polly Dunn Foundation for the evaluation and blueprinting of the successful Learn, Earn and Achieve program. This generous gift will enable the Learning Makes a Difference Foundation to blueprint: creating a plan that anyone can follow to implement the Learn, Earn and Achieve program in their hometown.

Last year the Learning Makes a Difference Foundation implemented Phase 1 of the Learn, Earn and Achieve (previously named Learn and Earn) in conjunction with the Fulton County School system. Students who completed Learn and Earn, a pilot program that paid participants to attend after-school tutoring, showed improved performances in math and science following the completion of the 14-week program.

Learn and Earn began as an idea of Newt Gingrich's, was championed by Robb Pitts, Fulton County Commissioner, funded in Phase 1 by Charlie Loudermilk, chairman and CEO of Aaron Rents, trialed by the Fulton County school system and the Learning Makes a Difference Foundation. The LMD Foundation is continuing to raise funds for this important program.

The final report from the pilot program noted, "All of the students were excited about getting paid. One student stated, 'I treat it like I'm getting paid from my parents for good grades.' Another stated, 'It is fun to get paid for learning.' Another stated, 'It feels good. It motivates me to learn.' One high school student stated, 'It is like a job, you drag yourself in whether or not you feel like going.'"

As to their academic performance in math and science, Learn and Earn students outperformed similar students in a comparison group who did not receive pay or tutoring. Half of the Learn and Earn students improved in both math and science while only 20-30 percent of the comparison group improved in those subjects.

"At first I didn't like school, but now that I am bringing up my grades, I like school more and want to go to high school and college," said one eighth-grade program participant.

The mission of the LMD Foundation is to accelerate and enhance knowledge through innovative learning programs:

-- By acting as an incubator of ideas.
-- By creating, implementing and testing new initiatives.
-- By providing funding and support to non-profit organizations and
partners.


Learning Makes a Difference Foundation Inc. is an Atlanta-based non-profit whose mission is to accelerate and enhance knowledge through innovative learning programs. It is funded through private donations from individuals, corporations, grants and foundations. For more information, visit www.lmdfoundation.org.

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