Education funding has been a very hot topic over the past several years, both in the social realm and the political realm. Legislation being passed in several states, especially during the economic decline in 2007 and 2008, and shifted government funding from school to social welfare programs. Some states have seen a decline in funding altogether. Unfortunately, the first areas where budgets are cut are in the areas that are necessary for our children’s development: athletics.

High School athletics has taken a real hit over the past several years. High school coaches are making due with less and some sports are being cut from the athletics programs altogether. Not only is this detrimental to the schools, some of whom have lasting championships and see their athletic programs as their connections to the community, but it is also detrimental to the students, who see these activities as their only after-school activities. Luckily, there are some parents, students, faculty, and staff that are taking matters into their own hands and going the way that schools had to go for extracurricular funding in the past: fundraising.

There are several ways that these groups are raising money, and it is important for other school districts to take notice! By far the most common way is through booster clubs. These booster clubs are created on the premise that they will have the sole purpose of raising money for an associated team, sport, or club. They usually do this through fundraising events, such as walks and runs, carnivals, and concessions sales.

The most profitable booster club programs are the ones that involve the community itself. Concessions at Friday night football games can raise large amounts of money, providing the community is behind the team and the school. Sales of goods, such as team logo emblazoned blankets, fruits and vegetables in the winter, and various assortments of sweaters, sweatpants, and shirts with the school logo on them are always a hit.

Another way to raise money is to get partnered with the parent teach association (PTA) or parent-teacher organization (PTO) of the school. Parents and teachers are always concerned about the welfare of their students and children. These organizations have the political pull in town to be able to attract sponsorships and businesses to help out with practices, event funding, and support.

High school sports are very important to many people, especially the students, teachers, coaches, and parents that are involved in them. Luckily, with the support of PTA groups and booster clubs, reduced funding at the state level does not mean that these programs will go down swinging.