Casey General Stores : Supporting Communities with Cash for Classrooms

Calling all teachers, school leaders, parents, and community champions! The deadline to apply for Casey's 2022 Cash for Classrooms Grant Program is fast approaching on Nov. 30.

When we launched Cash for Classrooms in 2020, the inspiration was simple: to help schools in our local communities by engaging you, our guests, to direct support for education initiatives that prepare children for a bright future. The applications we received in the first year blew us away! In awarding 99 individual grants, cumulatively totaling $1 million, you and Casey's helped make a difference by purchasing needed supplies not covered in the year's budget … upgrading technology to support distance learning … investing in new playground equipment … and more!

Here's a snapshot of some of the schools that received Cash for Classrooms grants over the last year. We hope they inspire your passion for learning and your creativity to nominate a school in your community and consider donating your Casey's Rewards points to the school of your choice.

Jefferson Elementary School - Davenport, IA

Carl Traeger Elementary School - Oshkosh, WI

To encourage an early love of reading, Casey's supported Jefferson Elementary in Davenport, IA, and Carl Traeger Elementary School in Oshkosh, WI. by purchasing new books for students. Jefferson Elementary used the funds to update its library with more engaging content, while every student at Carl Traeger Elementary received brand new books before summer break.

"After a very challenging school year, being able to send every child home with new books for their home library because of Casey's grant was a heartwarming experience," said Heather Branson, a third-grade teacher at Carl Traeger. "There were so many things I couldn't change about last year, but the ability to send every child off for summer vacation equipped to enjoy new books empowered my students to see themselves as readers even after our year together ended."

Crab Orchard CUSD #3 - Marion, IL

When the pandemic began last year, Casey's helped the Crab Orchard School District successfully transition to online learning. To ensure teachers could connect visually with students in their virtual classrooms, Casey's provided each teacher with an updated laptop that included video capabilities.

South Adams School - Berne, IN

Casey's awarded a Cash for Classrooms grant to help South Adams Schools in Berne, IN increase students' interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). By purchasing materials for a new Environmental Sustainability course and building an Innovation Lab for robotics, South Adams was able to expand its offerings in STEM coursework and provide students with a space to learn and grow.

"It's absolutely huge for our students to get these experiences innovating, creating, and learning how to be successful thinkers, problem solvers, and innovators," said Joe Meyer, Title I Coordinator at South Adams Schools. "These are all skills that students need to be successful in whatever career path they choose."

Elyria Christian School - McPherson, KS

To give students and staff a safe place to cheer, Casey's awarded a Cash for Classrooms grant to Elyria Christian School in McPherson, KS. The school used the grant to upgrade outdated, unsafe bleachers in the gym, creating a better gameday experience.