As the new school year begins, many students across San Antonio are returning to their classrooms with a renewed sense of hope and opportunity. This year, that hope is bolstered by an incredible $850,000 donation from Cars for Kids to Texans Can Academies, a network of charter schools dedicated to helping at-risk students succeed in their education.

Texans Can Academies operates 12 free schools across Texas, focusing on students who face significant challenges in their journey to graduation. Many of these students are economically disadvantaged, lacking the resources and support necessary to stay on track academically. This donation from Cars for Kids will go a long way in easing the burdens these students face, providing them with the tools they need to excel in school and beyond.

Belinda Rangel, a counselor at Texans Can Academies, highlights the unique role these schools play in the lives of their students. "We see a lot of economically disadvantaged students," Rangel said. "It’s more of a village scenario where we all know the student, we all have a relationship with each of our students, and we’re able to support them."

The $850,000 grant will be used to address non-traditional areas that significantly impact student performance. Texans Can Academies Superintendent James Ponce explains, "Utility bills, diapers, formula, car repair, you name it—these are the kinds of things that can make a huge difference in a student's ability to focus on their education."

In addition to these essential supports, the grant will fund the addition of a Career and Technical Education (CTE) staff member at the San Antonio campus. This new position will further enhance the college-going and career-focused culture that Texans Can Academies strives to instill in its students.

San Antonio Principal Kimberly Hutchinson emphasizes the importance of these resources: "We give out food on Thursday after school. We also have a clothing closet. So that way, if students can’t afford uniforms, we can help them." These seemingly small interventions can have a profound impact on students’ lives, helping them stay in school and succeed.

Rudy Oeftering, chairman of Texans Can Academies and Cars for Kids, acknowledges the vital role that community involvement plays in the success of these initiatives. "The community is stepping forward in ways you wouldn’t believe," Oeftering said. "We had an event where a donor came and gave five of our kids jobs on the spot. San Antonio is one of our most successful and effective campuses."

This generous donation from Cars for Kids not only provides immediate support for students in need but also strengthens the foundation of Texans Can Academies' mission to help at-risk youth achieve their educational goals. As the students head back to school, they do so with the knowledge that they have a community standing behind them, ready to help them overcome any obstacle.

In this spirit of giving and support, Cars for Kids continues to drive positive change in the lives of children, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to build a brighter future.