WHO WE SERVE

57% of Students

The stressors facing students today can hinder their academic and personal growth. Currently, a staggering 57% of Baldwin County students qualify for free or reduced lunch, with some schools reaching as high as 85%. The ongoing stress of living with less than one needs reduces a child’s readiness for school and impacts their social-emotional development. Palm Project is dedicated to leveling the playing field by alleviating the stress and anxiety of basic survival, empowering students to focus on their education.

“We are honored to coordinate this effort that will provide tangible items, most of which we take for granted in our own homes, that are essential for a child’s academic success.”

TERRY BURKLE

Executive Director, Baldwin County Education Coalition

“Community involvement in our schools is crucial because they understand the needs of their schools the best. Our children benefit from the countless and thankless hours put in by our stakeholders who simply want to give back. Everything flows more smoothly when the community and the schools are aligned and can all work together to meet the needs of the most important thing- our students.”

EDDIE TYLER

Superintendent, Baldwin County Public Schools

“Partnering with the Baldwin County Education Coalition is such a great fit since it is closely aligned with our signature community engagement program, Whataburger Feeding Student Success. Whataburger’s community philanthropy is focused on helping address the needs of our local teachers and students to ensure student success. Our $15,000 grant is supporting the programs and services we know make a difference in students’ lives every day in Baldwin County. We look forward to continuing to support the Coalition’s work.”

SARA WHITE

Whataburger Field Marketing Manager

WHO WE SERVE

Baldwin County is one of the largest counties in land area east of the Mississippi River, and it is home to more than 245,000 residents. Baldwin County is home to 44 public schools serving 31,299 students. Of the entire student body, 49% fall below the federal poverty guidelines.

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Baldwin County School District ranks among the top 20% of public school districts in Alabama for:

Overall Rank: Highest overall rank (Top 20%)

Math Proficiency: Highest math proficiency (Top 20%)

Reading/Language Arts Proficiency: Highest reading/language arts proficiency (Top 20%)

Community Size: Largest student body (number of students) (Top 1%)

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