Staples Surprises Chicago Teachers, Plus a Staples Sweepstakes to Win a Scholarship

I partnered with Staples in exchange for sharing this information and my honest opinion.

This year just in time for back-to-school season, Katy Perry has teamed up with Staples to help teachers support their classrooms. With many teachers spending an average of more than $400 per year out of their own pockets to prepare their classrooms, Staples committed to help.

This year Staples is supporting DonorsChoose.org in order to help teachers fulfill items they would like for their classrooms. I have personally donated to DonorsChoose.org and helped my son’s preschool purchase learning tablets for kids with speech issues. Teachers log onto DonorsChoose.org and submit a project requesting books, technology, field trips or other items to expand learning in the classroom. Users then go and donate what they can to fund the project. It’s super simple and free for teachers to use.

Staples made a $1 million donation to DonorsChoose.org earlier this year, and today announced surprise funding to support teachers in Chicago. As part of the campaign, Chicago teachers will receive full funding for all middle school and high school literacy projects, and all career & college prep projects listed on DonorsChoose.org. It is amazing to think of all the students who will benefit from all those projects.

For example, Mrs. Shippy from Dawes Elementary School will receive over 90 books for her 7th grade students, to help grow their classroom library. Since the school does not have a school library, Mrs. Shippy’s classroom library is the only place for her students to get books.

In total, Staples funded 121 projects for $134,733 worth of projects in Chicago, impacting 106 teachers and over 13,000 students across 86 schools in the community.

Overall, Staples has donated $1 million (yes $1 million!) to DonorsChoose.org, plus contributions from customers in store and online, helping to fund various projects on DonorsChoose.org just in time for back-to-season! You can help by using the Staples for Students Snapchat Geofilter. Through August 10th, every use of the Geofilter will trigger a $1 donation (up to $5,000) from Staples to be used towards Chicago classroom projects on DonorsChoose.org. The Geofilter is available for use in the Staples store at 111 North Wabash Ave., and in the surrounding area.

Win a $50,000 scholarship!

In addition to helping classrooms via DnorsChoose.org, Staples has launched a sweepstakes to win a $50,000 scholarship and a chance to meet Katy Perry. Through September 10, fans who spend $25 or more in any Staples store will receive a unique entry code on their receipt to enter the sweepstakes online at www.StaplesForStudents.com.

One grand prize winner will win a $50,000 scholarship plus a trip for two to Los Angeles to meet superstar, Katy Perry. Four first prize winners and one guest each will also win air travel to Los Angeles, two nights stay and spending money to meet Katy Perry at the VIP Winners Celebration.

Entries must be submitted before September 10, 2016 at 11:59 PM ET and entrants must be 13 years or older. Visit StapleForStudents.com for official rules.