Students deserve the opportunity for success at school – and teachers need resources to support that. Often, teachers use their own money to purchase classroom supplies, which can add up to over $1,000 a year from their own pockets. But through a partnership with the AEP Foundation, they have access to resources to provide exceptional educational experiences at no cost to them.

Starting in August and lasting through April, teachers within Elkhart Community Schools (ECS) can get school supplies and other classroom items in the Elkhart Education Foundation (EEF) Schoolhouse Supply Store. These items support the educational experience for students and promote success in and out of the classroom.

Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) and the AEP Foundation understand the importance of supporting this experience for the 11,000-plus ECS students. That means sponsoring the initiatives to make that possible and encouraging the community to do the same. Through business collections, personal donations of excess supplies or financial support, EEF can help support several classrooms.  

I&M and EEF have a partnership focused on working with youth and providing STEM-related experiences. Through its Spark Program, EEF connects students with local businesses, like I&M, to engage in career exploration. One opportunity included line workers from the South Bend/Elkhart District providing hands-on demonstrations of what the career involves. This helps “spark” young students as they begin to think about college and career readiness.

Visit our community page for more information on how I&M is supporting our local communities and how staff are making a difference through volunteering for their neighbors.