APS serves approximately 1.4 million homes and businesses in 11 of Arizona’s 15 counties, and is a leader in delivering affordable, reliable, and clean energy in the Southwest. The company is committed to serving customers with 100% clean power by 2050.
Header
APS Helps 500 Teachers with Back to School Supplies
PHOENIX – The school year is in full swing and across Arizona, 500 classrooms got a boost from the APS Supply My Class program.
APS launched the Supply My Class program back in 2018 to give K-12 teachers at Title 1 schools in APS service territory an opportunity to win $500 gift cards to be used for school supplies and items that support student learning. According to the National Education Association, over 90% of teachers dip into their own pockets to buy classroom supplies to ensure students have what they need for success.
This year, more than 6,600 teachers applied for the APS Supply My Class program and 500 were randomly selected and awarded $500 gift cards. Throughout September, APS employees worked with school leaders to surprise many of the winners in their classrooms in front of their students (see photos below). Some employees had a personal connection to the teachers or schools, while others just wanted to thank them for the difference they make in the lives of students.
"We can never thank our teachers enough for all they do for kids," said Tina Marie Tentori, APS Director of Community Affairs. "They are inspiring the next generation of deep thinkers and inventors who will tackle complex problems. Supporting teachers helps create a rich learning environment where students can thrive and succeed."
2024 APS Supply My Class Highlights
- 274 schools in Arizona had at least one winner.
- 237 of the 500 winners teach in rural Arizona.
- 124 of the 500 winners were new teachers (teaching for three years or less).
- The most winners (nine teachers) came from Cactus Middle School in Casa Grande.
APS Director of Materials Management Taft Lee surprised Ms. Rodriguez at Kaleidoscope Elementary in Phoenix.
APS Manager of Environmental Operations Matthew Hodge surprised teachers at Coolidge High School and Heartland Ranch Elementary School.
APS Vice President of Sustainability Ann Becker surprised teachers at ASU Preparatory Academy in Tempe.
APS Materials and Services Coordinator Shannon Olson and an APS Yuma crew surprised teachers at Gila Ridge High School in Yuma.
Funds for the APS Supply My Class program are provided by shareholders and are not included in customer rates. The company and the APS Foundation also support several grant opportunities for Arizona teachers and schools, including STEM Teacher Grants, in partnership with the Phoenix Suns, for hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math classroom projects. Visit aps.com/education for more information about these grants.
Related stories
7/8/2024
APS Helps Brighten Classrooms for New School Year
11/19/2021
Tree planting at Tempe high school
Stay up to date with our social channels
Newsroom
View up to date news, articles and stories related to APS in the community.
Copyright © 2024 APS. All rights reserved.
