Working as a teacher, Kelly Clark became frustrated by how much kids had to offer but how difficult it was for them to fit in and find a way to express themselves. In 2005, The Somebody Project was born. The program encourages children to build on their interests and in doing so cultivate lasting self esteem and teach children to give back.

“Interests help level the playing field,” says Kelly. When it comes to interest it doesn’t matter how much money kids have or how they dress.

To get started, teachers can order a Who is Nobody kit that includes an instructional DVD, a plain, denim doll (Nobody) and support materials. Students take turns bringing the Nobody doll home and giving it one of their interests. For example, a boy with a blind father gave the doll glasses and helped raise class awareness of the blind or a community project based on pennies gave Nobody eyes.

The goal of the Somebody project is to turn Nobody into Somebody. In the process, kids discover themselves, build community outreach programs and develop the confidence to follow their dreams. “Nobody becomes somebody that reflects the best of everybody in the class,” says Clark.

Since the program launched in 2005, 45,000 children have taken place in the Somebody project. It costs just $250 for a class to get involved – the perfect project for the next school fundraiser.