As a Boston Public School, the Gardner Pilot Academy  (GPA) serves nearly 400 students from age 3 to grade 8.  Over 90% of our students are identified as high-needs by the state, meaning many live far below the poverty line and many have directly experienced trauma. 

Since mid-March 2020, almost 100 of our students have been severely impacted by the pandemic:
- More than 70 families have developed significant food and financial needs due to lost jobs and income
- Almost 20 students have been identified as newly homeless or living in inadequate housing
- To date, two students have lost family members to COVID-19

As a full-service community school, GPA partners with community-based organizations to coordinate supports and services for students.  The financial needs are extensive, however, and many families are undocumented and not eligible for federal-, state-, or city-associated funds or loans.  Even if they are,  they are fearful that the lack of clarity about eligibility could put their efforts to gain citizenship at risk. 

Therefore, the GPA Family Council has started this GoFundMe to provide families-in-need with:
- Resources for food, rent, utilities, and funeral expenses to meet basic living needs 
- Supplies for books and other materials so that students can keep learning despite these challenges

Please help us help our fellow families and their children!  Any amount that you can spare will make a huge difference to the lives of GPA families and students.  Everyday at school, GPA scholars learn to be KIND, CARING, and INCLUSIVE, and your donation will be a true reflection of those values.