Changing the World Through Education: Every Gift Matters

Ok, so you don’t plan on giving a million dollars. That’s fine. But your smaller gift is still incredibly important to what we do at the Ed School. Your contribution helps a dedicated young teacher afford a master’s in the Teacher Education Program so he can return to his urban high school as a teacher–leader. It pays for a doctoral student to research the effects of mobile technologies in the classroom. And it pays for a seasoned school leader who wants to sharpen her skills to be even more effective in her district.

MEET BEN WILD, ED.M.’16

Ben Wild talks about why he recently gave to the HGSE Fund, which raises much-needed money for student financial aid.

Why did you give while you were still a student?
I decided to contribute to the HGSE Fund and 2016 Class Gift after witnessing all the ways that the Ed School supports its students. I was lucky enough to receive a merit-based scholarship, the Leadership in Education Award, which was a wonderful surprise and tremendous vote of confidence from the school. More importantly, I’ve seen where the dollars are spent, and I’ve committed myself to supporting the school in whatever ways I can.

Advice for other alums thinking about giving?
I encourage alums to contribute because our participation, even if it’s only a small amount, sends a strong message that we believe in the work of the Ed School. Strong alumni participation encourages outside donors to write checks. Additionally, the opportunities made available to us as students were funded in part by student contributions. This is our opportunity to ensure that future Ed School students are supported in the same ways.

What are you doing now that you've graduated?
I’m the executive director of the Walkabout Education Foundation, an organization that I started right before coming to the Ed School. I’m happy to say we’re a far stronger organization as a result of my time there. Other Ed School alums have joined our team, we made it to the finals in the XQ Super School Competition, and we’re getting close to launching our first school. I’m deeply grateful to the many ways that the Ed School has supercharged our work!