The Blind Side counts as a total touchdown when it comes to film causey-ness among this year’s Oscar nominees. And it’s doubly heart-warming to know that it’s a true story. The film is based on the life of Michael Oher, previously a poor African American teenager drifting in and out of the foster care system after a tough childhood. Homeless and under-educated, he is living on the streets when Leigh Anne Tuohy, a suburban soccer (well, football) mom, whose kids are classmates with Michael, discovers him.

He is adopted by the Tuohy family, who help him become not only an academic superstar, but an exceptional athlete. Oh, and he went on to become an All-American offensive tackle for the Baltimore Ravens.

While many critics applaud the movie for taking on issues like teen homelessness, the problems with American foster care, and the education gap, some say it sends the wrong message to struggling teens because Oher’s happy ending came by way of a wealthy family and athletic superstardom.

Luckily for you, you don't have to be ready to adopt a classmate to work towards ending homelessness and education inequalities.