This just in! U.S. Cellular has *generously* committed to a charitable gift of $1 million to fund classroom projects in the markets where it does business as a part of its Calling All Teachers campaign.
“Teachers go above and beyond for children every day, while extra funding for classrooms is in short supply,” said Karen Ehlers, vice president of public affairs and communications for U.S. Cellular. “With Calling All Teachers, we want to help alleviate some of the budget worries of teachers, who on average spend about $1,200 out of their own pockets each year on basic student supplies.”
We want to thank U.S. Cellular for their tremendous support of public schools across the country!

- The Mad Scientist Middle School Classroom
- Projecting 5th Graders into 2010!
- Magnifiying Our Science Skills
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Is the $1,000,000 for teachers in general or is it $1,000,000 for teachers through Donors Choose?
Comment by TomM — Apr 17, 2009 @ 11:58am
How awesome. I know that every item that is donated to make classroom makes a huge difference to my kids. I don’t know where I would be without the much need donations of books, school supplies, and a carpet in my classroom.
Thank you U.S. Cellular.
Comment by Tania Chico — Apr 18, 2009 @ 4:15pm
Hi Tom,
Thank you for your inquiry. The $1 million donated by U.S. Cellular will be used to fund teachers’ projects that are posted on DonorsChoose.org.
Best,
Alicia
Comment by Alicia Mohr — Apr 21, 2009 @ 3:54am
Thanks US Cellular! Just another reason I’m glad you’re my provider :) The projects funded at Donors Choose have made worlds of difference in my classroom for the past few years.
Comment by Kelly Hines — Apr 21, 2009 @ 4:10am
How do they know who spends more than $1200 out of their pocket and is there time to post a project prior to the closing date?
Comment by Becky Todd — Apr 22, 2009 @ 2:36am
Gosh when will teachers find out if their project has been chosen to be funded by U.S. Cellular? Wasn’t sure how long this would take. Sure sounds exciting!
Comment by teacher — Apr 22, 2009 @ 4:04am
GREAT! THANKS U.S. CELLULAR!!!
Comment by Mrs. Bynum — Apr 22, 2009 @ 10:34pm
Teachers will find out if their project has been chosen during “Teacher Appreciation Week” May 4-8. Teachers may even get a surprise visit from a local US Cellular Associate. GOOD LUCK!
Comment by Andrew Varvil — Apr 23, 2009 @ 5:21am
Thank you U.S. Cellular! This is so exciting!!!!
Comment by Tracey Hunter — Apr 23, 2009 @ 8:22am
It is so nice to see a company show such an interest in funding projects for our students! It is great that they care so much to help out the future leaders of our communities and countries :)
Comment by Mrs Scott — Apr 23, 2009 @ 10:02am
Wonderful to have such support! Is there a particular area U.S. Cellular would like to support? Teachers have so many needs that we’d focus on those of our projects which we know can receive that support. Thanks so much!
Comment by Neme Alperstein — Apr 23, 2009 @ 7:39pm
Thank you!
Comment by Ms. Romito — Apr 23, 2009 @ 10:46pm
Thank you! I am hoping that the project I submitted last week will be posted in time to be eligible! This promotion is actually how I found Donors Choose. Our local US Cellular provider forwarded the information to the teachers in our district.
Comment by Allysen Lovstuen — Apr 24, 2009 @ 1:12am
I was wondering about the area also. I know that when you go to the donors that make donations in different states it is listed for a few states. But not mine. Does that matter when it comes to this special circumstance? Just curious!
Comment by Joyce Scott — Apr 24, 2009 @ 2:25am
When will they be choosing the projects? Have they chosen already?
Comment by Jean — Apr 25, 2009 @ 5:25am
This is fabulous. Thank you for supporting our future leaders and hard working teachers! Do you service Nevada?
Comment by Katherine — Apr 26, 2009 @ 10:11pm
How does one apply for this wonderful opportunity?
Comment by Bethany — Apr 27, 2009 @ 4:12am
I am very excited that this organization is doing this for the students in our country :-) It is an amazing opportunity for everyone involved.
Sidenote to Jean….from what I understand it seems they are going to announce who was chosen the week of May 4th. Not totally sure though :)
Comment by Ms S — Apr 27, 2009 @ 5:18am
This is so wonderful. There are so many great ideas teachers have that they can finally get up and running because of this kind of support! Thank you!!!
Comment by Mrs. B — Apr 29, 2009 @ 5:50am
Thank you US Cellular! I’ve been attending rummage sales for years in an effort to purchase books for my classroom. I spent $25 this morning at one on my way to work for books. This is a great site for teachers and donors alike!
Comment by Laurie K. — May 2, 2009 @ 1:46am
I submitted my project 5 minutes ago..will it be considered for the $1 million donated by US Cellular, or must it be posted before it can be considered?
Comment by Mrs. G — May 2, 2009 @ 7:16am
Thank you so much! Because of companies like US Cellular, more teachers will have projects funded.
Comment by Kim Bjerke — May 2, 2009 @ 8:40am
US Cellular, the fruits of your generosity will benefit students for many years to come! Thank you!
Comment by Lynn Rinderle — May 6, 2009 @ 9:23am
US Cellular is awesome! I have a whole new leveled book library thanks to this fine corporation! I’m impressed by their generosity!
Comment by K. Nelson — May 6, 2009 @ 10:34am
I love the generosity of U.S. Cellular. There is no better way to have an immediate direct impact in schools then donorschoose. I was just funded for a projector and some LeapPads.
Comment by A. Avalos — May 6, 2009 @ 10:55am
THANK YOU!!! It was wonderful to feel valued and supported!
Comment by Leah Ross — May 6, 2009 @ 6:47pm
when is the deadline to apply for this
Comment by Kay Fine — May 6, 2009 @ 9:23pm
I was so surprised this week when my two projects were funded. Thanks to U.S. Cellular, my class will get some materials for reading and math. My students are excited!
Comment by Virginia Gross — May 7, 2009 @ 12:33am
How do you get chosen to get funded!! Been waiting a long time.
Comment by Carmen Diaz — May 7, 2009 @ 9:47am
Thank you so much US Cellular! We appreciate the generous donation!
Comment by N. Lyons — May 7, 2009 @ 11:03am
Thank you so much US Cellular for your generous donation!!! I appreciate the materials you have donated to my classroom!!! Thanks so much!
Comment by Victoria Snow — May 7, 2009 @ 8:55pm
Thank you US Cellular! I was one of the blessed teachers who will be receiving new materials because of your generous support! I am so touched by your willingness to help others. My students will now have safe and washable tables because of your generous donation! Each time I think about it I just get tears in my eyes. No other organization has ever helped me to this extent in my 21 years of teaching. Your donation will be used by students for many years to come! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Mrs. S.
Comment by Mrs. S. — May 8, 2009 @ 1:09am
Thank you, U. S. Cellular, you funded three grants for our school, this will help us get books into our students’ hands and hopefully inspire them in much the same way that your generous donations inspires me!
Comment by Miss E — May 8, 2009 @ 9:04am
Thank you U.S. Cellular for funding my first project! The camcorder is the first step to launching our school news program. The response was so fast and now my classes are very excited. Thanks for your generosity!
Comment by Jennifer Hand — May 9, 2009 @ 1:05am
Thank you US Cellular!! Your generosity and support are so appreciated by all the teachers at my school. You funded 4 projects at our school, and we consider ourselves blessed! Thanks for the surprise at our faculty meeting, too!!
Comment by Ms. C — May 11, 2009 @ 3:15am
THANK YOU!!! U.S. Cellular - your generous contribution to my music room in Champaign, IL will change the way my students experience music. Thank you so very much!
Comment by Abby Crull — May 12, 2009 @ 6:37am
U.S. Cellular - thank you so very much! You funded 2 projects for me and an associate is actually coming to my school tomorrow to meet me and make a presentation to my class. This is the first time I have made a request on Donorschoose.org and U.S. Cellular funded it immediately. My students and I are so excited and can’t wait to receive our requested items - we’re ready to put them to good use!
Thanks again, U.S. Cellular!
Comment by Ms. P — May 14, 2009 @ 8:14am
Dear US Cellular,
Thank you so much for your generosity and support for my students! Coming to my school to meet me and make your presentation was just the best ever! Your enthusiasm is contagious, and I could actually FEEL mutual care and appreciation! Not only am I glad to have the equipment for my students, I am also honored by your presence and the support you showed to me. Thank you. My students and I are so excited and can’t wait to receive our requested items - we’re ready to put them to good use!
And I love my plaque! :)
Thanks again, U.S. Cellular! Mrs. Petheram and the Wishkah Valley Loggers
Comment by Rebecca Petheram — May 15, 2009 @ 6:45am
U.S. Cellular came to tell me my project would be funded! Thank you so much U.S. Cellular! My class is really looking forward to doing our project!
Comment by Roger — May 20, 2009 @ 3:42am
This is so wonderful! There are a lot of teachers and students in need. How can I apply to be a part of something so awesome!
Comment by Ms. B — May 20, 2009 @ 6:18am
Thank you so much for donating to our FUTURE! “WE ARE THE DREAM!, and the time to take ACTION IS NOW!!!” Thank you for paying it forward. ( :
Comment by Iseel Espinoza Lorello — May 28, 2009 @ 12:10am
Thanks US Cellular! As a managment consultant that has worked closely with K-12 school districts in Illinois I have seen first hand the challenges our kids currently face. It will take generous donations and support from orgnaizations like yours to respond to those challenges! Thanks again for your generous support. You are making a difference!
Comment by Robin — May 28, 2009 @ 2:28am
What a great support of the community. I would like to get further information on how to apply for this grant. Please send me an email with information pertaining to the application process.
Comment by Tami Harsh — Jun 23, 2009 @ 11:08am