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Teacher's $20 Challenge Sparks Kindness Movement Nationwide

2/2/2026

47 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Kristina Ulmer, a Philadelphia teacher, started the "$20 Kindness Challenge" after her sister's death in 2014.
She gives ninth-grade students $20 each semester to fund good deeds.
Students use the money for charitable acts, including donations to nonprofits and personal causes.
The project has fostered community and inspired other teachers nationwide to start similar programs.
Ulmer says her sister would feel joy seeing the impact on students.

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Story summary

Kristina Ulmer, a Philadelphia teacher, started the "$20 Kindness Challenge" after her sister's death in 2014.
She gives ninth-grade students $20 each semester to fund good deeds.
Students use the money for charitable acts, including donations to nonprofits and personal causes.
The project has fostered community and inspired other teachers nationwide to start similar programs.
Ulmer says her sister would feel joy seeing the impact on students.