The Shadow Project: Kids learning through earning. Home Page

Welcome to The Shadow Project, helping kids with special needs to reach their potential.

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HOW THE SHADOW PROJECT BEGAN

“I like everything about school,” 2nd grader Alex Scattarella used to tell his mother. “Everything except the learning part.”
Reading and writing were hard for Alex and paying attention and following directions felt impossible. He was often discouraged.

One day, Alex came home with a Garfield toy he had earned in his class for students with disabilities. When she could, Alex’s teacher bought used stuffed animals to help motivate her students. Garfield’s fur was matted and his tummy stained, but Alex didn’t mind; he was beaming like a track star with a trophy.

Jealous of the new “cat”, Alex’s puppy Shadow chewed off Garfield’s ear and a suction cup claw. Alex was devastated. His mom told him, “Don’t worry. I’ll buy you a new stuffed animal.”

"It wouldn’t be the same,” Alex said. “Garfield was special because I earned him!"

Alex’s statement was a light-bulb moment for his mom. She and Alex decided to help other students. They started in two Portland, OR classrooms, naming the program after their puppy. More than a decade later, The Shadow Project has helped thousands of children with special needs become more excited about learning.

Alex is grown now but still helps with The Shadow Project, visiting classrooms and encouraging kids, “Don’t give up! Even mistakes can lead to something wonderful.”

Dear Alex: Thank you for coming to our school. You have inspired me to work harder. -- Sincerely, Taylor

Dear Alex: Thank you for coming to our class. You helped me realize now you can’t give up. – Best wishes, Erika

Nationwide, one in three students with a learning disability drops out of school. With your help, we can lower the odds.