Torrey Smith, Carmelo Anthony Funding Baltimore School Projects

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Schools across our country and here in Baltimore are getting a major boost. Late Show TV host Stephen Colbert is inspiring the movement for public figures to fund school projects.

Tracey Leong explains how two Baltimore natives joined the cause to help out our students.

Star athletes Torrey Smith and Carmelo Anthony are honoring their hometown by funding school projects in Baltimore City.

Comedian Stephen Colbert leads the philanthropic movement to fund school projects across America.

Fifty-eight actors, athletes and business leaders are donating more than $14 million--including some Baltimore natives.

"My wife and I are funding every school in east Baltimore," said Torrey Smith.

The former Ravens player joins NBA star Carmelo Anthony. Both have deep roots in Baltimore and a history of helping out our city. Arundel Elementary/Middle School is one of the many schools being flash funded.

"I speak for every teacher: this is awesome. This is amazing," said second grade teacher Lucy Eustace.

Eustace is among the hundreds of teachers being helped through donorschoose.org. The crowdfunding website lists hundreds of projects ranging from new school supplies to field trips.

"You go to the state, you go to the school, you go to the project, you fund it and 100 percent of your money goes to that project and kids write you back about it," Colbert said.

He promoted the movement on CBS This Morning and his late night talk show.

"The reason they're doing it is because the real heroes are the teachers," he said.

Colbert is hoping to inspire others--not just celebrities--to give back.

"Sometimes it takes four, five or six donors and they're just as important, too," Eustace said.

If you are interested in helping out and want to fund schools in your area, click here.