Staples, Inc. (NASDAQ: SPLS) announced that it funded more than 200 local classroom projects in Atlanta, as part of its recent $10 million pledge to Think It Up™, a new national initiative of the Entertainment Industry Foundation that seeks to inaugurate a new movement in support of students, teachers and schools, helping to create a culture of excitement about learning everywhere in America. This fall, Think It Up, in partnership with DonorsChoose.org, will launch a platform to fund student-powered, teacher-led learning projects in classrooms across the country.

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Teachers from Ralph J. Bunche Middle School in Atlanta learn that Staples has funded their projects ...

Teachers from Ralph J. Bunche Middle School in Atlanta learn that Staples has funded their projects on DonorsChoose.org as part of "Think It Up" at a press conference held on Thursday, August 6, 2015, in Atlanta. Staples continued its commitment to education by flash funding 202 local classroom projects in Atlanta, as part of its $10 million pledge to Think it Up™, a new national initiative of the Entertainment Industry Foundation in partnership with DonorsChoose.org (Photo by John Amis/Invision for Staples/AP Images)

“I’m happy to celebrate this donation from Staples to help teachers in Atlanta Public Schools,” said WSB-TV Channel 2 Action News Anchor Jovita Moore. “We’re having a real impact on children’s education, thanks to Think It Up™, its partnership with DonorsChoose.org and Staples’ commitment to supporting classrooms.”

Danielle Campbell, actress and Think It Up ambassador, also attended the announcement in support of Atlanta’s students and teachers.

“I’m proud to join EIF’s Think It Up movement and help kick off the school year in a big way for students and teachers in Atlanta Public Schools,” Campbell said. “I’ve had the privilege of working here a lot over the last few years, so Atlanta has become a second hometown to me. It’s wonderful to know that Staples’ investment today will bring to life meaningful learning experiences for so many of the city’s young people,” she added.

Since its founding in 2000, DonorsChoose.org has helped fund more than 236,000 classroom projects for teachers and impacted more than 14 million students. Today, in Atlanta, Staples fully funded every project on DonorsChoose.org in the Atlanta Public School District. More than $260,000 was donated to help 175 teachers fulfill classroom needs and helped 21,966 students across 53 schools in the Atlanta Public School District. For example, Ms. Young from Ralph J. Bunche Middle School received mats and a tumbling octagon she needs to support the school cheerleading program and Mrs. Scott from Ralph J. Bunche Middle School received a video camera for her English Language Arts class so students can film, produce and edit their original work.

“We’re thrilled to fund all of the projects in the Atlanta Public School District and to work with the Entertainment Industry Foundation’s Think It Up initiative and DonorsChoose.org to ensure classrooms have the supplies and resources they need,” said Alison Corcoran, senior vice president, North American stores and online, Staples. “Through our Staples for Students program, we’re proud to build on our rich history of supporting education with our $10 million pledge that will make a difference in America’s classrooms.”

A recent survey conducted by Staples found almost three-quarters of parents agree that teachers in their communities inspire their students. Additionally, the survey revealed that 76% agree that a lack of school supplies is a significant challenge for schools today. Most teachers spend more than $400 of their own money each year to provide supplies and materials for their classrooms.

"We are so grateful to Staples for their support of teachers and students through Think It Up™," said Charles Best, founder and CEO of DonorsChoose.org. "Their incredible gesture today will ensure that Atlanta teachers won't have to dig as deep into their own pockets to pay for classroom supplies, and that students will have the materials they need to start the school year right.”

The flash funding in Atlanta is part of Staples’ $10 million pledge to Think It Up which will inspire students to pursue their passions by working on collaborative learning projects. To help support the Think It Up movement, customers can donate one dollar at a Staples store near them or visit www.thinkitup.org to learn more.

“EIF is truly grateful to Staples for joining Think It Up as its lead corporate donor, and helping the Atlanta Public School District get the school year off to a terrific start illustrates how deeply committed the company is to ensuring students and teachers have what they need to create learning experiences that make a genuine impact and prepare students for future success,” said Lisa Paulsen, President and CEO of the Entertainment Industry Foundation.

Win a $50,000 Scholarship and VIP Red Carpet Experience

Fans can enter the #StaplesforStudents sweepstakes for a chance to win a $50,000 scholarship and a VIP Red Carpet Experience. Fifty lucky winners will fly to Los Angeles with a friend to attend a star-studded Think It Up event. One lucky grand prize winner will win the trip to Los Angeles and a $50,000 scholarship.

Visit www.staples.com/scholarship to learn about different ways to earn entries and increase chances of winning, including making an in-store purchase, sending a tweet, signing up for e-mail and more. Entries must be submitted before 11:59PM ET on Aug. 22 and participants must be 13 years or older.

About Staples

Staples makes it easy to make more happen with more products and more ways to shop. Through its world-class retail, online and delivery capabilities, Staples lets customers shop however and whenever they want, whether it’s in-store, online or on mobile devices. Staples offers more products than ever, such as technology, facilities and break room supplies, furniture, safety supplies, medical supplies, and Copy and Print services. Staples also offers free shipping for Staples Rewards Members, in most cases overnight. Headquartered outside of Boston, Staples operates in North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. More information about Staples (SPLS) is available at www.staples.com.

About Staples for Students

Staples has a long history of supporting students, teachers and classrooms. Staples for Students is an ongoing campaign that helps students and teachers with the school supplies and essential items needed for a successful education. The Staples for Students campaign includes school supply donations, support for teachers in classrooms, donations for education projects, classroom initiatives and the sale of products that give back to communities and classrooms in need.

About DonorsChoose.org

Founded in 2000, DonorsChoose.org makes it easy for anyone to help a classroom in need. At this nonprofit website, teachers at half of all the public schools in America have created project requests and more than a million people have donated $330 million to projects that inspire them. All told, over 14 million students—most from low-income communities, and many in disaster-stricken areas—have received books, art supplies, field trips, technology and other resources that they need to learn.

About The Entertainment Industry Foundation

The Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), established in 1942, harnesses the collective power of the entire industry to generate awareness and funds for critical health, educational and social issues. Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C), EIF’s largest initiative, helps accelerate the pace of research to get new therapies to patients quickly. Since its founding seven years ago, SU2C has launched 16 collaborative “Dream Teams” comprising over 940 scientists from 123 leading institutions around the world. That research, including 151 planned, initiated or completed clinical trials, has led to Food and Drug Administration approval of two new treatments. In just 15 months, Hunger Is, EIF’s collaboration with The Safeway Foundation, has significantly raised awareness of childhood hunger in the United States and over $10 Million to support breakfast, afterschool and out-of-school meal programs.