Supporting ASCENDA Preparatory Academy: Our $75,000 Founding Classroom Campaign
For a student who struggles to communicate, having the right tools can make a meaningful difference. It can help them express what they need, participate in learning, and develop skills for greater independence.
At ASCENDA Prep, we are preparing classrooms in Rockville, Maryland, where transition-age students with intellectual and developmental disabilities can build these essential skills and prepare for adulthood.
We need your help equipping those classrooms for our targeted January 2027 opening.
A Message from Our Founder
"As a parent, educator, and behavior analyst, I know that education should prepare students for more than passing a test. It should help them communicate, make choices, build relationships, navigate everyday experiences, and prepare for meaningful lives beyond school. At ASCENDA Prep, we want students to practice those skills every day, with the resources and individualized support they need to learn."
— Flor De Amelia Hoffman, Co-Founder, ASCENDA Foundation Inc.
Transparent Funding Breakdown: Our $75,000 Goal
Donors deserve to know exactly how their contributions will be used. Click each category below to see how our estimated baseline costs break down across specialized equipment, assistive technologies, and classroom setups:
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Speech-generating devices, AAC tools/tablets, adaptive switches, speech software licenses, and specialized accessories that help students express themselves.
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Calming sensory pods, weighted regulation tools, adaptive seating, adjustable lighting, and motor-skill stations to help students stay regulated and ready to learn.
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Height-adjustable desks, specialized ergonomic chairs, collaborative activity tables, storage, and flexible learning spaces designed for diverse physical needs.
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Practical life-skills training kits, mock workplace setups, and hands-on learning modules that help students build independence for adulthood.
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Interactive classroom displays, teacher computers, age-respectful adapted books, and tactile literacy tools that support individualized instruction.
TOTAL CAMPAIGN GOAL: $75,000
Note on Partial Funding: If we raise partial funding (e.g., 50% or $37,500) prior to launch, funds will immediately prioritize setting up the core Assistive Technology and primary Sensory Spaces for our inaugural classroom.
Campaign Progress and Financial Transparency
Current Progress: Facility planning and core curriculum designs for ASCENDA Prep in Rockville are underway as we prepare for our targeted January 2027 opening.
Next Steps: We are securing specialized classroom equipment, adaptive tools, and vocational lab furnishings over the coming months.
Fund Management: 100% of campaign proceeds are managed directly by ASCENDA Foundation Inc. (a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit) and designated strictly for classroom equipment and student learning resources.
Timeline Accountability: In the event of facility adjustment or timeline updates, donated funds remain restricted solely to ASCENDA Prep classroom equipment procurement.
Your donation directly puts valuable learning tools into the hands of students and teachers:
$25 helps purchase adapted books and tactile literacy supplies.
$100 helps fund specialized AAC communication software licenses and accessories.
$500 helps outfit a complete sensory regulation or adaptive seating station.