send future choose901 alumni on an educational outdoor trip

Looking for an easy way to support future Choose901 Alumni? Help us get 20 Crosstown High students into the wild for a weekend of growth, learning, and connection.

This April, a group of future Choose901 Alumni has the opportunity to step outside the classroom and into Shawnee National Forest for an unforgettable outdoor education experience. From April 4th–6th, students will camp, cook, journal, and explore—building confidence and skills that will carry them far beyond the forest.

We’re raising $1,500 to help cover the final costs of this adventure—and thanks to some early supporters, we’re already partially there! With $500 raised, we’re just $1,000 away from sending these students on a trip they’ll never forget. Every bit helps, and your support could be the reason a student experiences the outdoors in a whole new way.

About the trip

John Kusmec is not only a Math teacher at Crosstown High but also the instructor for The Great Outdoors Apex course. Apex courses are a special, project-based, community-centered class at Crosstown High where students of every grade participate in one aligned with their interests.

“As someone who has a deep love for the outdoors, I started this class two years ago and have been able to take nearly 60 students camping and/or climbing to date!” Kusmec says.

This quarter, Kusmec is planning on taking a three-day camping trip to Shawnee National Forest so that students can practice all of the skills they have been learning throughout the semester and so they can experience what it’s like to actually camp.

“For most of them, this is their first time ever camping! I have seen firsthand how important these experiences have been for a lot of kids that would normally never spend all day outside completely shift their perspectives on what camping is like and who the outdoors is for. It has been such a joy to see them experience all of the fun and challenging parts of outdoor recreation,” Kusmec says.

Donate now

Every dollar helps make this opportunity a reality. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, an education advocate, or just someone who believes in Memphis kids chasing big dreams—this is your moment to make an impact.