Today we’d like to introduce you to Vivian Zhao.
Vivian, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Jamie and I noticed that a lot of quality ACT, SAT, and AP study materials were being wasted at our school. People would buy Barron’s or Princeton study guides, use them once, and then re-sell them or let them collect dust on their bookshelves. The books are expensive, too, often clocking in at around $20. Meanwhile, many students in Dallas ISD and other less well-off neighborhoods had a lack of study materials for these standardized tests, which affected their performance. We had the idea to redistribute those materials by collecting them from Plano schools and donating them, and this effort snowballed into EduFREE, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to promote equality in educational opportunities in the DFW area.
Has it been a smooth road?
There were definitely struggles. One of the most basic ones was just transporting the books from place to place because they’re obviously very heavy. I remember one time when there wasn’t a dolly available, we had to make multiple trips carrying books in our arms, and I was sore for days. It was also tough to apply for 501(c)(3) status. Jamie and I wanted to get a tax-exempt ID so we could accept donations from various people and places like Half-Price Books. However, we had little to no knowledge of founding an organization or the IRS going in, so it took many long hours of research and calling people (and we still made many mistakes).
We’d love to hear more about EduFREE.
We are a for-youth, by-youth 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to combat educational inequality in the DFW area. We do this primarily by collecting study materials for standardized tests and donating them to disadvantaged students. EduFREE has student ambassadors at various schools that connect us directly to the student body, and this lets us collect these extra resources more effectively.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
EduFREE will definitely continue to collect and redistribute AP, SAT, and ACT study materials. We’re looking for ways to improve this process, such as by working with other local nonprofits like Be The Light. We’re also looking to launch more programs. The student ambassador program is up and running, and some other ideas that are in the works include sponsoring a specific disadvantaged student and holding test-prep workshops at local public libraries.
Contact Info:
- Website: edufreeyz.org
- Email: edufreeyz@gmail.com
- Instagram: @edufreeyz
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