Whirlpool’s Care Counts program has made significant strides in addressing school attendance issues by providing laundry machines to students in need. It’s easy to overlook the underlying reasons behind a child’s absence from school, often attributing it to parental neglect or a lack of motivation. However, the reality may be more straightforward: many children simply lack access to clean clothing. Whirlpool’s initiative tackles this seemingly small yet impactful issue, yielding remarkable results.
Last year, Whirlpool launched the Care Counts Program, donating seventeen sets of washers and dryers to schools in St. Louis and Fairfield, California. Schools encouraged students with attendance challenges to bring their laundry, which would be cleaned while they attended classes. The outcomes were impressive: over 90% of students involved saw an increase in attendance, with at-risk students attending nearly two additional weeks of school. Each participant benefited from approximately 50 loads of laundry processed at school. This year, the program is set to expand to twenty more schools across five additional districts.
While concerns such as economic hardship and systemic inequality are often seen as the primary barriers to education, the issue of laundry may seem trivial in comparison. Yet, for a ten-year-old facing numerous challenges, the availability of clean clothes may be a determining factor in their willingness to attend school. Dr. Sarah Lewis, a former principal at Lincoln Middle School in St. Louis, discovered during discussions with parents that many struggled to afford laundry services or find time to visit laundromats. Her inquiry led to Whirlpool’s involvement, which revealed a staggering statistic: one in five students in the U.S. faces difficulties in securing clean clothing for school.
In an interview with Today Parents, eighth-grade teacher Mark Johnson from Fairfield recounted a transformation he witnessed in one of his students who had previously withdrawn from school. After the program was introduced, the student became enthusiastic about attending and actively engaged in class, feeling less isolated from peers.
Unfortunately, students grappling with attendance issues are often labeled as “troubled” or “lazy.” Those who are more privileged may fail to grasp the reality of not being able to complete basic tasks like laundry. Parents who are focused on providing food and shelter may have to prioritize essentials over routine chores like a lengthy trip to the laundromat.
Kudos to Dr. Lewis and Whirlpool for their thoughtful approach in identifying the root cause of absenteeism and providing a practical solution that empowers children with the confidence they need to attend school. This reflects a broader commitment to supporting families, as seen in other initiatives aimed at enhancing family involvement in education. For more insights into family engagement, visit this resource.
In summary, Whirlpool’s Care Counts program demonstrates that addressing basic needs like laundry can have a profound impact on student attendance. By equipping schools with laundry facilities, Whirlpool is helping to remove one of the barriers that keep children out of the classroom, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and supportive educational environment.