A new student sponsorship fund provided eight students with the chance to experience the biannual book fair at Grace B. Luhrs University Elementary School. Organized by Shippensburg student Noreaga Goff, the ICare initiative made it possible for families in need to provide their children with the funds needed to take part in this experience.

Goff’s creation of the ICare fund stems from his own background and experiences at the Lincoln Charter School. “While other children shopped for books and supplies, I felt a deep sense of embarrassment knowing that my family couldn't afford to support me in the same way,” Goff said.

Later, Goff learned of the transformative works of LeBron James, whose IPromise organization helped to improve the area of Akron, Ohio. Inspired by the works of James, Goff set out to create a similar improvement in his own area. Thus, the ICare fund was born.

With the goal of improving access to education resources, Goff recognized the gap in some student’s ability to buy books like their peers. His own experiences of being unable to buy books with his classmates gave him the idea to provide money to families in need to enhance their child’s experience.

The road to improvement was one helped by Principal Holly Garner of GBLUES. By working together, Goff and Garner were able to collaborate with Shippensburg University to create a fund for students in need. Goff also used his own money to supplement the pool of funds, ensuring the availability of funds to families who needed it most.

With the money set aside and Garner’s help contacting families, ICare’s first year in action saw eight students receive funding to take part in the book fair. Students were required to buy at least one book with their money but were otherwise free to roam and purchase what they pleased. Goff added this freedom and wanted to give the students an experience like their peers. 

A parent whose child received aid for the book fair was overjoyed by the opportunity. “I usually try to let my kids at least get one book, but I usually don't let them get any of the fun things,” they said. “So they were super excited to get some.”

Many parents and faculty involved in the program have confidence and hope that it could spread to a county or even statewide level. The only potential issue principal Garner could see arising was “maybe streamlining of funds, but even that worked out pretty well.” The roadblocks to providing greater aid with the program seem minimal. With a solid foundation and a passionate mind behind it, the ICare fund is sure to benefit students for years to come.

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