HOPE – A community support initiative of Arkansas-based Tyson Foods has provided more than $19,000 in classroom and school resources for Hope Public Schools campuses.
Tyson Foods announced in July, 2018, its partnership with DonorsChoose.org, an online platform for financial support of public schools. The initiative will ultimately fund $1 million in projects for 46 school districts in 37 communities nationwide where Tyson employs local residents.
“The investment will bring much-needed resources to schools in Tyson communities and introduce teachers to a source of potential support for future projects,” the company said in its original statement. “Between August 1, 2019, and January 29, 2020, Tyson will fully fund projects posted by teachers in qualifying Tyson school districts who request up to $1,000 in classroom resources.”
The company said it intends to invest up to $26,388 in each community where Tyson has a poultry plant, prepared foods plant, fresh meat plant, or corporate presence.
Hope Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Bobby Hart commended the initiative as an example of Tyson’s continuing support of public education.
“We are extremely grateful for the investment that Tyson has made, not only in the Hope Public Schools, but also in teachers and students throughout the state,” Dr. Hart said. “Our congratulations to all recipients.”
HPS campuses will benefit from $19,407.60 in mini-grants distributed among qualifying teachers who applied through the DonorsChoose.org platform.
“I am pleased to report the funds have been awarded in record time,” Uche Nwude, Tyson Foods project manager for corporate social responsibility, said in the award announcement sent to Hart on Oct. 14.
Campus grants will purchase books for Beryl Henry Elementary School; classroom resources, STEM materials, books, and reading resources for Clinton Primary School; classroom and reading resources for Hope Academy of Public Service; art, EAST lab, robotics, and STEM resources for Hope High School; and student pantry, student school supplies, and science classes resources for Yerger Middle School.