Written by Aileen C., Dallas Education Foundation Social Media and Marketing Intern
Students at Gabe P. Allen New Tech Academy were greeted with blue and yellow decorations surrounding an unfamiliar blue box in the school hallway.
Little did they know, a book vending machine would be the newest addition to their school. In partnership with the State Government Affairs Council and Superior Text, Dallas Education Foundation donated a vending machine to Gabe P. Allen New Tech Academy.
Jamie Contreras, the principal at Gabe P. Allen, hopes the book vending machine will symbolize the school’s commitment to fostering a love of reading.
“We’re actually vending imagination, and more than anything, I believe that we’re vending equity,” he said. “Reading is the foundation to the development of a child. When you open up a book, you open up imagination. You open up curiosity.”
Lisa Vega, the Executive Director of the Pinkston vertical team, already sees the impact that the machine will have on the students as they selected their books.
“We are beyond grateful for your generosity in making Gabe P. Allen New Tech Academy the first campus in Pinkston Vertical Team to receive this extraordinary gift,” she said. “The book vending machine will foster a culture of literacy and a lifelong love of learning, truly marking a milestone for our community. Thank you again to SGAC, Superior Text and Dallas Education Foundation.”
The Dallas Education Foundation (DEF) is a registered 501(c)(3) and serves as the direct and designated philanthropic partner of Dallas ISD. With a mission to inspire community investment to accelerate student success, DEF focuses on economic mobility by supporting early learning, advancing literacy, driving post-secondary success, and catalyzing our educators. To learn more, go to https://dallasedfound.org and follow us @dallasedfound on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
About Dallas ISD The Dallas Independent School District is continually preparing its 140,000 students for college or a career. The district offers a competitive mix of innovative programs, choice programs and instructional initiatives that support the increased academic achievement and the social and emotional development of its students. To learn more, visit www.dallasisd.org.
