United to Learn has announced that Laura Whitley will chair the 2025 Community Campus Day (CCD) Committee, working alongside committee members Katie Aisner, Dan Healy, Amee Joshi, Renda Matthew, Paige Richey, Jana Simons, Abby Williams, and Debbie Wilson. Together, they are rallying community groups, corporations, and individuals to take an active role in fueling campus improvement projects across Dallas ISD. More than 30 indoor and outdoor learning space transformations are scheduled for the spring semester, but more sponsors and volunteers are needed to bring these projects to life for students and educators.
A Leader Committed to Educational Excellence
Laura, a partner in Haynes Boone’s Finance Practice Group and a United to Learn Board Member, played a key role in last year’s Community Campus Day as Haynes Boone partnered with C.F. Carr Elementary as a CCD sponsor. Laura continues to serve as a liaison, working closely with Principal Carlotta Hooks and building a relationship with the campus, coordinating educator appreciation meals, student experiences, and more.
Reflecting on her role as CCD Chair, Laura shared, “I am thrilled to be chairing the Community Campus Day Committee. I’m excited to invite others to work alongside Dallas’ neighborhood schools, supporting our city’s youngest learners–our future workforce.”
“Building relationships with Dallas ISD school communities, learning about their goals and needs, and partnering with them to reach that goal is incredibly rewarding. I encourage others to join me at CCD projects ”
Community Campus Day: Transforming Learning Spaces
Since 2018, CCD has raised more than $1.3 million for campus improvement projects on Dallas ISD campuses across the city. It started with one campus seven years ago and has grown to serve dozens of campuses each year. Community Campus Day mobilizes volunteers, corporate partners, and philanthropic groups to support joyful and enriched learning environments for students. 2025 projects include:
- spirit stores
- STEAM Labs
- library makeovers
- outdoor learning spaces and gardens
- teacher lounge renovations
- community pantry
- cafeteria renovations
- mindfulness corners
- House System set-up refresh
- gym refresh
Research indicates that positive learning environments can boost productivity and engagement by 15% while also reducing teacher turnover rates by 25%. Many Dallas ISD elementary schools lack the necessary funds for these improvements, making Community Campus Day a vital effort in bridging this gap.
According to United to Learn’s Chief Marketing Officer Emily Wilson, “Our mission is to transform the relationship between schools and communities. Together, we step in where public dollars stop, we bridge resource gaps. Initiatives like Community Campus Day are just one way we contribute to thriving campuses where students, educators, campuses, and the community benefit!”
Join the Movement
Early sponsors of Community Campus Day 2025 include the Byrne Family Foundation, Civitas Capital Group, Comerica Bank, Cambridge Companies, McKool Smith, Nicole and Justin Small, Options Clearing Corporation, Origin Bank, Resultant, Truist, Weaver, and the Williams Family Foundation.
With over 1,200 volunteers participating in CCD 2024, the momentum is strong to make 2025 an even greater success. Whether as a volunteer, donor, or sponsor, individuals and organizations can play a crucial role in revitalizing Dallas schools.
- Sponsor a project
- Donate to support school improvements
- Volunteer to help with hands-on campus projects
The 2025 Community Campus Day season runs from February through early May, with signature event days on February 21, March 28 and 29, and April 11 and 12. With more than 30 projects, there is a way for everyone to get involved. Those interested in supporting this transformational initiative can learn more by visiting United to Learn’s CCD page. Together, we can create brighter, more engaging learning spaces for Dallas students.
About United to Learn: United to Learn (U2L) is an education nonprofit with a vision to accelerate student achievement across Dallas and develop purposeful community leaders. Its mission is to transform the relationship between schools and the community through a collaborative, wrap-around model that brings vital resources directly into schools. Today, United to Learn collaborates with 103 Dallas ISD elementary schools alongside private schools, community partners, and businesses—all united in closing resource gaps and building a stronger future for every student.