General Motors, Disney Imagination Campus, and education nonprofit DonorsChoose are coming together for Teacher Appreciation Week to celebrate educators and expand access to classroom resources that inspire the next generation of innovators.
The collaboration kicked off over the weekend at Walt Disney World Resort, where 15 elementary, middle and high school teachers from across the United States were honored as part of the Disney Imagination Campus and ABC’s “Abbott Elementary” Teachers Celebration, with GM and DonorsChoose awarding $150,000 in funding that the 15 honorees will use to “pay it forward” and support other educators in their communities. The funding will help bring new STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics)-related projects to life in classrooms across the country – from hands-on science labs and robotics kits to art, design and technology experiences that equip students with skills for the future.
Throughout the multi-day celebration, teachers experienced Disney Imagination Campus workshops that showcase how performing arts, science and technology, arts and humanities, and leadership and innovation can come to life in real-world settings. They also enjoyed special theme park experiences, inspiring sessions led by Disney leaders, and an evening reception capped by a private fireworks viewing courtesy of GM.
“Teachers light the spark that inspires the next generation of engineers, designers and problem-solvers,” said Kristen Puchek, vice president of corporate citizenship at General Motors. “General Motors is proud to partner with Disney and DonorsChoose to celebrate their impact and help to ensure they have the resources and recognition they deserve.”
“Teachers are the heart of our communities, and we are excited to continue our commitment to help inspire future generations of storytellers and innovators during Teacher Appreciation Week,” said Charles Thomas, director of Disney Imagination Campus. “Disney is proud to support kids, teachers and classrooms across all 50 states.”
“On DonorsChoose right now, hundreds of thousands of public school students need STEAM supplies in their classrooms,” said Alix Guerrier, CEO of DonorsChoose. “This Teacher Appreciation Week, GM and Disney are showing up for educators who would otherwise need to reach into their own pockets to purchase these resources. Thanks to GM and Disney, countless students will have access to supplies that will not only enhance their education but also inspire them to explore their passions for STEAM.”
To broaden this impact for Teacher Appreciation Week, GM is partnering with DonorsChoose to support classrooms nationwide, launching a $1.1 million giving match campaign that invites others to join in supporting teachers in STEAM’s most urgent needs.
This is one pillar of GM’s broader commitment to strengthen K-12 STEAM education. This year, GM has committed $50 million in funding aligned to STEAM education, with more than $15 million dedicated to providing resources and professional development for STEAM educators.
Beyond philanthropic support, GM is creating additional ways for employees, dealers and customers to show appreciation for educators. Efforts include the GM Educator Appreciation Discount on eligible vehicles, opportunities for employees to support classroom projects through the GM Cares DonorsChoose volunteer program, and future campaigns that make it easier for dealers and customers to recognize teachers in their local communities.
For more information about GM’s commitment to education and to learn how to support a classroom through DonorsChoose, visit GM.com and DonorsChoose.org.
