Know a Teacher Getting Ready for Back-to-School? Tell Them About This Arizona Grant and Supply Program
By Trevor Needle
As summer break begins, many Arizona teachers are already thinking about the next school year.
Long before students walk through the classroom door, teachers are organizing lesson plans, setting up learning spaces and gathering supplies they’ll need for the months ahead. In many cases, they’re also paying for some of those materials themselves.
That’s one reason parents, former students and community members will want to share the Four Peaks For Teachers program with the educators in their lives.
Now through June 14, Arizona teachers can apply for $1,000 classroom grants and register for free school supply kits filled with classroom essentials. The goal is simple: help teachers start the school year with a few more resources and a little less out-of-pocket spending.
A national survey found teachers spend nearly $900 of their own money each year on classroom supplies. From pencils and notebooks to cleaning wipes, snacks and other everyday items, those costs can add up quickly.
For many educators, those purchases aren’t occasional extras. They’re part of preparing a classroom where students feel welcomed, supported and ready to learn from day one.
The idea behind Four Peaks For Teachers began in 2011 after Four Peaks Brewing co-founder Jim Scussel overheard a group of teachers discussing the supplies they were purchasing for their classrooms. What started as a small supply drive has since grown into a program that has distributed more than 55,000 supply kits and over $500,000 in support for educators across Arizona and the Southwest.
While teachers must apply for grants themselves, many may not know resources like this exist. Sharing the opportunity with a favorite teacher, a family member in education or a friend preparing for the school year can be a simple way to show support.
Key Dates to Know
- Grant applications are open through June 14
- Supply kit pickup dates are June 10 and July 8 at Four Peaks Brewing’s 8th Street Pub in Tempe (registration required)
- Grant winners will be notified after June 22
For more information, grant applications and teacher registration, visit FourPeaksForTeachers.org.