disruptED wins $25,000 Upwork grant toward BEE Safe program
We got some incredible news recently when Upwork announced that disruptED is one of the recipients of their Work Together Talent Grant. The $25,000 grant is awarded to small businesses who are working to counter the impact of COVID-19.
Because of these funds, we’re able to finish creating the BEE Safe book, a new AR/VR book that will help children learn about staying safe during these difficult times. Educators and parents will be able to use the book along with an Activity Book that includes science, safety, and social/emotional materials that can be used outside of the digital experience.
Thanks to Upwork, the BEE Safe book and materials will be offered FREE to everyone!
Ed Heck, our creative director who is writing and illustrating the BEE Safe book, is a Brooklyn, N.Y., resident who witnessed the first major wave of COVID-19 cases, so this project started as a way of giving back to his community.
As part of the BEE Safe program rollout, we also have partnered with Long Lat, Inc. manufacturing and Artworks Foundation to sell and distribute a variety of whimsical face masks designed by Ed. You can order your masks right now! Each mask costs $7.50 and includes free shipping. That's a 50% savings from the regular price! Buy some for yourself and your loved ones. For every mask sold, another mask will be donated to our frontline heroes. We also have bulk pricing rates available if you have a bigger cause in mind and we will match those purchases with donations too!
Right now, we are in the planning stages for the instructional and gamification design of the BEE Safe materials. We anticipate that the book will be available by September, and you can be notified when it’s ready by filling out the form below.
Lastly, we just want to thank Upwork for this incredible opportunity. As a startup, we search for funding everywhere, and we stretch every dollar. It means a lot to us for Upwork to introduce this grant program to support a great cause. It’s truly uplifting!
We’ve used Upwork to help fill various contractor jobs, and it’s great to work with a company that is there for us in times like these. Thank you!