About Us

Our Mission

Graph It Forward Today (GIFT) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to creating educational opportunities for high school students nationwide. It is our mission to give essential educational tools to students limited not by ability, but by means. With graphing calculators costing approximately $100 and test prep books and services economically out of reach, lower income students cannot experience the enormous lift that these resources provide. Giving this access to students in need provides equal opportunity for all.

Access to online test prep services, graphing calculators, and prep books will help disadvantaged students improve their performance, confidence, and potential on both standardized tests and in advanced high school math and science courses. Standardized tests are a key component for college acceptance, financial aid and scholarships.

Your donation today empowers the scientists, teachers, doctors, and engineers of tomorrow.

Scroll down to see:

  • OUR APPROACH
  • WHY IS THIS NEEDED?
  • FOUNDER’S STORY
  • FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

 

Our Approach

We aim to provide the tools for academic success to deserving, college-bound students in need. Used calculators and test prep books mailed to GIFT today will be in the hands of a student before the next standardized test date. Changing a life has never been simpler. For more information on sending us calculators or test prep books, see our Ways to Help  page.

As part of our commitment, WilsonDailyPrep will offer the educational content of its online services to deserving yet underprivileged students. These tools will help students achieve their dreams of higher education and upward mobility.

Don't have a calculator, test prep materials, and you are not a student?   Please consider making a monetary donation, so a student today can have a chance tomorrow. 

 

Why is this needed?

Imagine looking across the aisle on test day and watching other students plug in numbers on their graphing calculators, while you're forced to perform complicated calculations by hand. Imagine knowing that most, if not all, of these students had access to SAT preparation classes and books. Imagine how futile it seems, staring at your test, knowing you're competing against kids who have had so many more educational resources at their disposal. We know you would be saying to yourself, "How can this be fair?"

The answer: IT'S NOT.

WilsonDailyPrep, an online test preparation company, understands the severe restrictions imposed by limited socio-economic opportunity, and the ramifications of these restrictions on a child's future education. As GIFT's lead sponsor, WilsonDailyPrep is at the forefront, helping lower income students to overcome these challenges.

National and state assessments strongly recommend the use of graphing calculators. At a cost of approximately $100, many underprivileged students are without the means and are at a startling disadvantage. The new standardized tests are designed such that use of graphing calculators will increase speed and accuracy as well as address the complexity of the math problems. WilsonDailyPrep has seen firsthand that the use of graphing calculators, test prep and tutoring can significantly increase SAT and ACT scores. Higher test scores not only open doors to a broader range of colleges but can also play a large role in determining financial aid packages.

Something as small as passing along a used calculator and a test prep book can have a positive, lasting impact on a student's life.

 

Founder’s Story

As an educator and test preparation expert, I have found that students choose to excel when given opportunities. While working with inner city students in Miami, I stressed the importance of arriving at the SAT prepared. “Bring your calculators, extra batteries, extra erasers, tissues…” One student, Allison, raised her hand and asked, “What should I do if I can’t afford a graphing calculator?”

Her words left me speechless. Why had I never realized this? I became outraged at the inequities within our educational system. And, as a part of this educational system, I knew that it was my responsibility to empower students to reach their potential by providing them with the tools they need to succeed. That day was my call to action.

Just as my students continue to inspire me, I hope to inspire you to take a simple action and make an immediate impact on a student's life.

Changing a life is as easy as donating your used calculators and test prep books. Please, help spread the word!

 

Laura Wilson
Founder, Graph It Forward Today
President, WilsonDailyPrep

 

FAQ

Q: What’s a graphing calculator?

A: A graphing calculator allows students to type in an equation and see it graphed on an x,y axis. It allows students to graph equations that are too difficult and time consuming to produce by hand.

The most popular brands are Texas Instruments (TI-83 & 84), Hewlett Packard (HP-48g, 49g & 50g) and Casio (FX-9750). There are other brands and models.

Q: How is eligibility determined when students request services from Graph It Forward?

A: WilsonDailyPrep, a nationally recognized online test prep company and GIFT’s principal sponsor, is working with educational foundations, administrators, and educators to identify students and school districts in need of these tools. Students who receive scholarships are motivated, college-bound, and receive school lunch vouchers.

Q: Is Graph It Forward a non-profit organization?

A: Graph It Forward Today is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is principally funded by Laura Wilson, founder and creator of the online test prep company, WilsonDailyPrep.com.