Updated on June 23, 2023 | July 29, 2021
After a summer of fun and freedom, Casey's is ready to support the communities it serves as they return to school this fall. Together, Casey's and its dedicated team members are asking you to help students and teachers through our Cash for Classrooms Grant Program as another school year approaches!
When you visit Casey's between August 4 and September 7, 2021, you can round up your purchase to donate those extra cents to Cash for Classrooms. These grants will fund projects and initiatives at K-12 public and nonprofit, private schools in Casey's communities.
Through Cash for Classrooms grants, Casey's recently helped South Adams schools in Berne, IN improve students' understanding and interest in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). By purchasing materials for a new Environmental Sustainability course and building an Innovation Lab for robotics, South Adams was able to expand their offerings in STEM coursework and provide their students with a space to learn and grow.
“It's absolutely huge for our students to get these experiences innovating, creating, and learning how to be successful thinkers, problem solvers, and innovators,” said Joe Meyer, Title I Coordinator at South Adams Schools. “These are all skills that students need to be successful in whatever career path they choose.”
Also, these grants are helping build exposure to new career paths. In Huxley, IA, Casey's helped Ballard High School transform its Industrial Technology Program and spread some ‘good’ into their shop. By purchasing darkening helmets, welding pliers, updated sanders, and a new helical blade for their shop, Ballard also enhanced the safety and capabilities of their welding program.
“Students haven't had this opportunity at Ballard in six years, so they may not even know what welding is and if they want to be one someday,” said Andrew Kringle, Industrial Technology Teacher at Ballard High School. “Industrial Technology covers so many areas and teaching as many courses centered around the trades will impact so many students for years to come and get them interested in a trade they enjoy.”
Casey's Cash for Classrooms impact doesn't stop when the school year ends. Just a few months ago, every student at Carl Traeger Elementary School in Oshkosh, WI. was sent home with brand new books to strengthen their reading skills and grow their at-home libraries. Not every student has access to books during summer break, and Casey's helped change that this year. The grant funds provided not only every student at Carl Traeger the opportunity to read this summer, but also eight or more books for each of them to keep and share with others. The priceless smile pictured is only a glimpse into the excitement the students and teachers must've felt when receiving their handful of books!
“After a very challenging school year, being able to send every child home with new books for their home library because of Casey's grant was a heartwarming experience,” said Heather Branson, Grade 3 Teacher at Carl Traeger Elementary School in Oshkosh, WI. “There were so many things I couldn't change about last year, but the ability to send our kids equipped to enjoy new books empowered my students to see themselves as readers.”
As back to school season is upon us, students and teachers could use the extra support now more than ever. Next time you stop by for a slice of your favorite pizza, your daily coffee, or a refuel, round up your purchase to help support students, teachers, and schools!
