SHELTON, Conn. — Back to school season is here and parents are flooding stores to stock up on school supplies for a successful year ahead. Households spend approximately $510 on back to school purchases, according to a 2018 survey conducted by Deloitte, but this year, purchasing those classroom essentials can be more meaningful than ever, thanks to a new program by BIC USA Inc.

To help make a difference this back to school season, BIC has donated $100,000 to crowdfunding website DonorsChoose.org through the launch of BIC Bucks for Teachers. As part of the program, consumers can partner with BIC to contribute to local teachers on DonorsChoose.org.

When consumers purchase $10 or more of BIC stationery products, they can apply for a $10 BIC Bucks donation code at BICBucksForTeachers.com. After securing the donation code, shoppers can identify a project they are passionate about on DonorsChoose.org and make a contribution with their $10 BIC Bucks donation code.

“With BIC Bucks for Teachers, our presence in the classroom goes beyond our products,” said Janel Lewis, director, stationery marketing for BIC USA Inc. “Teachers play such an influential role in students’ lives, so this program allows BIC and our customers the opportunity to give back and make an impact in the lives of teachers, classrooms and students.”

DonorsChoose.org provides a space for public school teachers in the United States to request funding for necessary classroom materials to elevate students’ learning.

“Teachers work hard every year to give their students everything they need to succeed, and we’re so grateful to have BIC’s support for teachers this back to school season,” said Katie Bisbee, chief marketing officer at DonorsChoose.org. “By inviting their customers to select classroom project requests to support, BIC and DonorsChoose.org can build a community of support for public school teachers and students around the country.”

Those who purchase $10 or more of BIC stationery products (before taxes, fees and coupons) through September 15 can apply for a $10 BIC Bucks donation code that can be donated to a classroom project of their choice at www.DonorsChoose.org/BICBucksforTeachers.Upon purchase, consumers need to upload a photo of the receipt to www.BICBucksforTeachers.com and complete the form by September 30. Donation codes will be sent via email within three days to be used on www.DonorsChoose.org/BICBucksforTeachers. All donation codes must be used by October 31. Limit one (1) $10 donation code per participant/family/organization. While supplies last. For more information on the BIC Bucks for Teachers program and code availability, please visit www.BICBucksforTeachers.com.