Free 2 Teach has received a $30,000 grant from the Steelcase Foundation to support its expansion into Limestone County. The funding will assist the organization in extending its services to teachers and staff at 20 additional schools within Athens City Schools and Limestone County Schools.

“The Steelcase Foundation proudly supports Free 2 Teach and its work in Limestone County, Alabama,” shared Trudy Ngo-Brown, a Program Officer with the Steelcase Foundation. “By expanding access to free classroom resources, Free 2 Teach helps educators build on their creativity and expertise to create meaningful, engaging learning experiences for their students without using their hard-earned salaries to do so.”

Free 2 Teach announced its expansion into Limestone County in February of this year. In the intervening months, the organization has invested $89,349.25 in supplies and resources in Limestone County schools with the goal of enabling teachers to provide an exceptional education to each and every child.

“This is more than enriching, this is above and beyond,” shared Mrs. Mitchell, a kindergarten teacher at Blue Springs Elementary. “I have already been three times, and the kids are always so excited to see what I bring back. They wrote thank you letters this time! There are so many supplies here that I’ve never seen before in my 28 years of teaching. Thank you so much for including us and thank you Steelcase for your support!”

Alison Kling, Free 2 Teach CEO, shared the ways in which the Steelcase Foundation is empowering her organization to fulfill its vision.

“The Steelcase Foundation has been an incredible partner as we embark on this growth as an organization to impact and invest in Limestone County,” said Kling. “They believe in creating the conditions where people across the communities they serve can learn and thrive. This aligns so beautifully with our vision to ensure classrooms and teachers are supported in their work to create vibrant, joyful experiences for students.”

The Steelcase Foundation was established in 1951 and focuses on investing in the communities of Kent County, Michigan and Limestone County, Alabama.