Lemonade Day 2018 FAQs.

What does E2D stand for?

E2D stands for Eliminate the Digital Divide.  E2D is a local non-profit organization started five years ago by a CMS middle school student who saw students in her school unable to complete assignments and reach their academic potential due to lack of technology in their home.  Since 2013, E2D, in conjunction with CMS and other community businesses and agencies, has provided essential home-based technology for 5,000+ families and over 400 CMS homeless youth. E2D’s work is now expanding to accommodate the remaining 18,000+ CMS families that need technology and digital literacy training in order to close the academic achievement gap

What is the purpose of Lemonade Day?

E2D believes in the importance of empowering children to be a part of the solution to “E-Lemonade the Digital Divide” in their community. It is important that our community understands how crucial access to technology is in today’s academic environment.

Do our students have to participate in Lemonade Day?

We strongly encourage student participation at all schools. Equipping students with the skills needed to support their peers or to support themselves and play an active role in eliminating the digital divide across our school system teaches life lessons in advocating for a better future.

How many lemonade stands does our school need to have?

Each CMS elementary school is asked to participate in Lemonade Week to the extent that best suits them.  For some schools one or two large lemonade stands held on school grounds during lunch/recess/carpool, at a local park, or in conjunction with a community partner will be the best model. For other schools the numbers may extend well past 20 with small groups of children or individuals opting to host lemonade stands in their neighborhoods as well as larger stands in high volume areas.New this year, E2D is partnering with Lowe’s Home Improvement and Woodforest Banks (located in Walmarts) throughout Mecklenburg County. Schools will have the option to sign up to host/participate at one of these MEGA STAND locations on May 5. Look for this option in an upcoming school based email or reach out to misty@e-2-d.org to express your interest in being placed at one of these stands.

The neighborhoods surrounding our school are not a safe environment to host lemonade stands, what do we do?

Some schools in CMS are located in areas that are not suitable to host lemonade stands.  Again this year,  E2D is partnering with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department. CMPD will be sending officers to designated locations  to support kids at lemonade stands. The Community Outreach Coordinators will work with each school to identify sites that provide a safe environment for your students.  Community partnerships such as churches, local businesses and agencies are a great starting point in looking for lemonade stand sites or stand resources. E2D is partnering with Lowe’s Home Improvement and Woodforest Banks (located in Walmarts) throughout Mecklenburg County. Schools will have the option to sign up to host/participate at one of these MEGA STAND locations on May 5 with CMPD Officers. Look for this option in an upcoming school based email or reach out to misty@e-2-d.org to express your interest in being placed at one of these stands.

How much money does our school have to raise on Lemonade Day?

There is not a specific amount of money required to be raised on Lemonade Day. We hope all schools will participate enthusiastically.

How much should we charge for lemonade?

We do not put a price on lemonade.  Instead, we ask for people to donate towards our efforts to Eliminate the Digital Divide and to receive a cup of lemonade as a thank you.

What if we host a stand before or after May 5?

We encourage all schools to promote and participate in the E-Lemonade Day on May 5th, but we understand that schools also have other opportunities to host stands on different dates. Lemonade Week is May 5 - 12. Schools have the option of hosting stands at a time and location of their choice during this week. If you feel your school would benefit from hosting a stand at another school wide event outside of these dates then just let us know!!  We do ask that if your school is using an alternate date that you still participate in the E2D E-Lemonade the Digital Divide Educational Video Campaign on Friday May 4 in preparation for the community wide event on May 5. This 1 minute animated video is fun and informative to help students understand what is a digital divide and the importance of their role in eliminating the digital divide.

Will our school be able to keep the profits from the lemonade stands for our students?

100% of the donated money raised by lemonade stands will go to fund technology solutions for CMS students. While E2D does not earmark specific dollar amounts for each school, we are committed to finding technology solutions for all of your students in need. E2D will be celebrating the lemonade efforts of all CMS elementary schools on May 12, 2018, at ImaginOn Library in Charlotte from 10 AM -   2 PM. We look forward to each school sending families in need to participate in the E2D Mega Computer Distribution on this day.  For nearly all CMS schools, the investment E2D will make in your students will far exceed the dollars that will be raised by lemonade proceeds.