We know that if a family struggles to afford basic necessities, extras like crayons and notebooks probably don’t make the shopping list. That’s why our Teacher Resource Center program serves schools where at least 70% of the student body qualifies for the National School Lunch Program.
Every year, thousands of teachers in the region are each eligible to receive thousands of dollars’ worth of school supplies for use in their classrooms, all at no cost to them or their schools.
HERE'S HOW IT WORKS:
Partner with us
Applications for the Teacher Resource Center program open in the spring. School administrators can apply, and our selection committee chooses our partner schools for the year.
Contact SarahM@TheEducationPartnership.org with application questions.
Come “shop”
Once per semester, enrolled teachers from partner schools make shopping appointments through an online portal to pick up free essential school supplies at our Teacher Resource Center.
Contact Abbie@TheEducationPartnership.org with shopping questions.
Transform the classroom
Teachers bring the supplies to their classrooms, elevating their learning environment and empowering every student to succeed.
We serve Pre-K through 12th grade schools in Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Washington, and Westmoreland counties. Schools in these counties are eligible if 70% or more of their student population qualifies for free or reduced-price lunch through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). Confirm your school’s NSLP eligibility by downloading the 2022 data report here.
Applications for the 2023 – 2024 school year are now closed.
Check back in March 2024 for the 2024-2025 school year application.
School administrators are encouraged to apply for their school. Educators or other staff may complete the application for their school as long as they also submit a signed copy of the Principal Authorization Form.
After evaluating submitted applications, an independent selection committee makes partner school recommendations, and The Education Partnership announces each year’s partner schools in early May. A school’s need, engagement in or enthusiasm for the program, and potential for impact are all considered. Though The Education Partnership can’t yet support every eligible school in our region, we’re growing every year!
Please contact SarahM@TheEducationPartnership.
Enrolled teachers from partner schools are invited to our Teacher Resource Center once during each of our two sessions (July-October and December-March). Each teacher is guaranteed an allotment of core school supplies (notebooks, pens, pencils, filler paper, crayons, etc.), and because of the generous donations we receive from the community, we also offer extra classroom supplies—like toys, clothing, cleaning supplies, furniture, etc.—that vary based on availability.
Each time a teacher “shops” at our Center, we estimate that they leave with about $1000 worth of free supplies!
We are seeking donors to pay for a years worth of core supplies. By completely covering the cost of a core supply item, donors will ensure teachers have the tools they need for their students.
To honor sponsors of core items, we will place your name or logo on wooden bins filled with supplies in our Teacher Resource Center to be viewed by the 10,000+ teachers who visit our building for the entire school year.
We will also place your name on our website, which is visited by over 10,000 visitors each year and in one of our monthly newsletters which have a mailing list of over 9,500 subscribers.
Lastly, we will offer you and up to 10 guests of your choosing a private behind-the-scenes tour of The Education Partnership with Kaceme Djellouli our Inventory and Process Manager.
The Education Partnership holds a special place in my heart. The opportunity that The Education Partnership provides to schools is outstanding. I am so happy to be a part of such an amazing organization that helps children in need of school supplies! Thanks to this fantastic program my students are proud, excited, motivated to come to school. My students’ self-esteem and excitement to learn has increased immensely thanks to all the school supplies The Education Partnership has given to our school. With all the unique and unexpected items I find when I shop, I’ve become more creative with how I use supplies in the classroom!
Julie Erb, Kindergarten Teacher, Martin Elementary SchoolRight now, there are more than 132,000+ students in the area who qualify for our program.
