Middle schoolers matter because…
We have a different perspective on things, and we know more about our community than adults think we do.
Melodee
Mileena
No matter what age someone is, we can create something worthwhile.
Deven
Alexis
Why Middle Schoolers? Because they are…
IN A CRITICAL DEVELOPMENTAL STAGE
They are fiercely curious about their place in the world. We aim to tap into that curiosity, directing it toward empathy and community engagement.
COMMUNITY LEADERS
When given the chance, middle schoolers want to help their community. We empower them to explore how they can. We cultivate the altruism they’re seeking by encouraging them to pursue the common good through ideas that help their community thrive.
capable of impact today
Middle schoolers don’t have to wait for some distant day in the future to make an impact. With the right supports and structures surrounding them, middle schoolers can help their communities thrive today.
Why TomTod?
We are firm believers that students learn through doing.
We create curriculum and curate experiences that incorporate real community partners with real problems, giving students real goals to work toward.
We go beyond defining skills like project management, empathy, and responsibility. We create meaningful opportunities for students like Arielle to practice them in real time.
Our Impact:
2,133
middle schooler voices amplified in 2024.
Hundreds
of community partners engaged
13
years of empowering
Dozens
of middle schooler ideas launched in communities
12,622
middle schoolers empowered since 2012.
Limitless
community impact
Ready to take action?
Give today
Incredible!
As a teacher whose classroom is served by the fine people of TomTod Ideas, I see the incredible and impactful ways students are engaged and ultimately contribute to our community… Students get a seat at the table, and they are seen and heard. TomTod Ideas fosters their vision… takes those ideas and provides a framework and a structure to make them a reality. When we talk about young people needing more opportunities within our community, TomTod Ideas is an organization at the forefront for our youth.
Joe Cole, Partner Teacher
Empowering!
TomTod is one of those organizations that is truly changing the world… This organization is clear on its mission and focus and they remain anchored to their goals with incredible fidelity. Their vision is clear: to empower young people. I have heard the testimonies of youth who have gone through their programs, and each one describes feeling more confident, courageous, and compassionate because of their experience at TomTod!
Sarah Taylor Peck, Programming Partner
Impactful!
As a member of TomTod’s board, I have seen how this organization positively impacts the youth of Stark County. From the fun and energized staff, to the impact of their programming, TomTod reminds the world why middle schoolers matter! I believe the values and lessons the middle school students learn from TomTod will pay dividends to my community.
Chad Sinkovich, Board Treasurer
Ready to make lasting change?
Give today
Become a Sustaining Donor
A one-time gift sparks change, but a monthly gift sustains it. When you become a sustaining donor, you provide reliable support that empowers middle schoolers to lead, create, and make a difference all year long.
Give to our Fund for What’s Next.
TomTod’s endowment, the Fund for What’s Next, is designed to allow us to try new initiatives, explore programmatic possibilities, and remain on the cutting edge of empowering middle schoolers.
The first $100,000 of designated endowment donations are being matched dollar for dollar!
Reach out to us if you’d like to give to our endowment.
Plan for legacy giving.
Make a lasting gift for generations of middle schoolers to come.
As our populations grow older and smaller, empowering students to see themselves as leaders in their community makes our cities and counties stronger today and tomorrow.
Reach out to us if you’d like to plan a legacy gift.
Make an impact through stocks and bonds.
Donating appreciated securities, including stocks, bonds, or mutual funds, is an easy and tax-effective way for you to make a larger impact.
You can transfer stocks or bonds from your brokerage or investment account directly to TomTod, or reach out to us for help facilitating a gift through stocks and bonds.
