Our Mission
Sandy’s Elevate & Educate is committed to empowering schools, students, and communities through essential resources and support.
Our dedication to quality education drives our impactful initiatives to make a difference.
Highlighting the Need
Sandy’s Elevate & Educate is dedicated to serving the Cambridge, Maryland area, encompassing the Dorchester County Public Schools district. This region faces educational & societal challenges that our initiatives address.
Education Attainment
Only 20.9% of adults in Cambridge hold a bachelor's degree, compared to the Maryland average of 38.4%.
Poverty Rates
24.2% of Cambridge residents live below the poverty line, indicating a significant portion of the population faces economic hardships.
Proficiency Rates
In the 2024-25 school year, public high schools in Dorchester County reported a math proficiency score of 15% and a reading proficiency score of 42%, both lower than the state averages.
Graduation Rates
The Dorchester County Public Schools district has a graduation rate of 81%, which is below the Maryland average of 87%
These statistics underscore the importance of accessible educational support and resources in the Cambridge area. Sandy’s Elevate & Educate is committed to empowering individuals and communities through tailored educational services that address these challenges.
Our Story
Sandy’s Elevate & Educate began with a school trip & a powerful realization.
I had volunteered to chaperone my daughter’s 5th-grade class trip, expecting a fun and busy week.
What I didn’t expect was to share a room with 11 fifth-grade girls—and to witness firsthand the quiet
struggles some of them were facing.
Over the course of that week, I noticed things that broke my heart:
Some girls didn’t have enough clothes.
Some lacked basic feminine hygiene products.
Others had no money for snacks.
And there was a clear divide—half of the girls didn’t speak English, creating a barrier that left them isolated.
I couldn’t ignore what I saw. So I stepped in where I could. I made sure every girl had snacks.
I helped bridge the language gap with translation support.
And one night, I gathered all the girls in a circle. We went around, each girl telling the others:
“You are loved. You are smart. You are beautiful.”
We said it in English.
We said it in Spanish.
And for the first time that week, I saw unity, joy, and confidence bloom in that room.
That moment changed me. I knew I couldn’t stop there.
From that experience, Sandy’s Elevate & Educate was born—a mission to uplift, support, and empower young
children by meeting their basic needs, breaking down barriers, and building self-worth.
Because every child deserves to feel seen, supported, and celebrated
Meet Our Team
Meet the passionate individuals behind our mission who work tirelessly to empower schools, students, and communities.
Cassandra Capaldi
Founder
Born and raised in Camden, NJ as one of fourteen siblings, I know firsthand the value of resilience, hard work, and determination. Growing up in a underserved community taught me to push past obstacles and stay committed to my goals. As the founder of Sandy’s Elevate & Educate, my mission is to create opportunities, inspire growth, and empower others to achieve their own success through education and perseverance.
Turning challenges into stepping stones for success.