We give elementary school students an opportunity to make meaningful decisions about real issues facing Oakland.  Then, we give them a concrete way to help.

The Penny Roundup Program includes standards-based materials to educate students on issues in five categories: food, shelter, health, safety and education.  Students vote on a specific issue to support, interview two non-profit organizations and select one to receive the proceeds of their Penny Roundup grant.  Students advocate for their cause, “round up” pennies and other coins (aka “good cents”) and donate 100% of what they raise to their chosen non-profit. 

In larger group programs, 3rd-5th grade students may apply for leadership positions on our student roundtable.  Student Roundtable students help by educating the school about issues before students vote and interview two non-profit organization from which they select the school’s winning non-profit.

Customized to fit your school or community group

• Available to groups with as few as 10 students or as many as a whole elementary school 
• Complete the program in as few as four weeks or as long as you like, between September and June
• Choose between our Full Penny Roundup Program, covering all five categories (food, shelter, health, safety and education) or our Penny Roundup Select Program, for a shorter program focused on one issue category you select. 
• Do it yourself, or choose Good Cents additional assembly or leadership facilitation

Penny Roundup Program Issues List

Click here to see how to start a program

Click here to see samples of our program materials