Country of Residence

United States

Age

13

Project title

Bring a hygiene closet to West Fresno Middle School

Project Summary: Describe your project in one sentence

Hygiene cart / closet: A cart or closet with things like deodorant, hair products, toothbrush kits, edge brushes, wet wipes, and other items.

Website URL(s) or social media handles.

Project Category

My project is a brand new / emerging idea

Project Stage

Idea (We’re hoping to get started in the future)

Founding Story: What was the spark that led you to start your project? What was the "Aha!" moment that led you to get started and see the potential for this to succeed?

At the end of last school year one of my good friends was in distress about not having the correct tooth care or a toothbrush at home. She was so worried she kept asking people if they could smell her breath but she was too embarrassed to see if there was a toothbrush in the office. If we had a central area where students could access at any time I think that would have helped her.

The Problem: What problem are you helping to solve? Why does it matter to you and your community?

I would love to see a hygiene closet at West Fresno Middle School. WFMS is a school with mostly low-income students who are often in need of more items than they are able to access at home. I think it would impact our campus culture greatly. Students would feel more confident throughout the day if they didn't have to worry about how they looked or smelled. Then they would be able to focus more in class without feeling stressed or embarrassed.

Your Solution: How are you solving this problem? Share your specific solution.

To start with I want to but a small cart (with wheels) and containers as well as some supplies like deodorant, mints, toothbrushes, pads, lotions, brushes/combs, etc. I want to see if we could put it in the reflection center at school, or somewhere outside for students to be able to get what they need.

Impact: How has your project created impact / made a difference so far? Or, if at an early stage, what will impact look like?

I have not started the project but I think it will really help the kids at my school. I think all the students could benefit from this, it would lead to an increased sense of worth and confidence on campus, and less bullying.

Your Innovation: What is different about your project compared to other programs or solutions already out there? How is your project new or innovative?

I think this is different than what we have had in the past because students would be able to access items without having to talk to an adult. Most of the time kids my age are shy or have social anxiety so they wont want to ask their friends, or adults, for things like that. This would help.

How many people are on your team?

5

Your team: What role(s) do your team members play? How do you share leadership with them?

My ASB leadership cabinet would be the team, I am vice president. We would work together to keep the cart stocked, organized, and well-kept. We would also help encourage students to use it but not abuse it!

What’s Next: What are the next steps you plan to take to grow or strengthen your project over the next year? If your project is still in the idea stage, describe the steps you will take over the next three months to launch or begin developing it.

Hopefully this project could grow into a whole closet of items, instead of just a small cart.

How do you encourage other people to join your project or learn about the problem you’re working on? If you have a new idea, tell us how you will do this in the future.

I think my school's ASB team and other leaders on campus would be happy to join the team. They could spread the word, ask for outside donations, and keep the cart running.