When we think about middle school students struggling with attendance, it’s easy to point fingers at parents or the children themselves. But what if the solution was as simple as providing clean clothes? Whirlpool has tackled this seemingly minor issue with remarkable outcomes.
In 2016, Whirlpool launched the Care Counts Program, donating 17 pairs of washing machines and dryers to schools in St. Louis and Fairfield, California. This initiative invited students facing attendance challenges to do their laundry while attending classes.
The results were nothing short of impressive: over 90% of the participating students showed improved attendance, with at-risk kids attending nearly two additional weeks of school. Each student was able to complete around 50 loads of laundry at school. This year, Whirlpool plans to expand the program to 20 more schools across five districts.
While laundry may seem trivial compared to pressing issues like economic hardship or systemic racism, for a child who feels out of place because they lack clean clothes, it can be a crucial factor in their willingness to attend school. Dr. Lisa Martin, a former principal at Riverview Middle School in St. Louis, discovered during conversations with parents that many struggled to afford laundry or find time to visit laundromats. After reaching out to Whirlpool, the company learned that an astonishing one in five students in the U.S. have difficulty accessing clean clothes.
In a heartwarming account, eighth-grade teacher Jamie Lopez from Fairfield noted, “One of my students had completely withdrawn from school. After we implemented the program, he became excited about attending and actively engaged with his classmates. He no longer felt like an outsider.”
It’s easy for those who don’t face such challenges to overlook the struggles of these children. Many families prioritize essential needs like food and shelter, often sidelining tasks like laundry that many may take for granted. Kudos to Dr. Martin and Whirlpool for addressing the root of the problem and providing a solution that helps empower these kids with the confidence they need to step into the classroom.
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In summary, Whirlpool’s Care Counts Program has made a significant impact on school attendance by addressing a basic but critical need—access to clean clothing. By providing laundry facilities directly in schools, they’ve empowered students to feel more confident and engaged in their education.
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