Grant Program, Sponsored by Staples Business Advantage and MakerBot, Seeks to Encourage Technology-Fueled Learning Opportunities for Charter School Students
Denver, CO (August 10, 2016) – BuyQ, the only group purchasing organization devoted specifically to charter schools, and Staples Business Advantage, the business-to-business division of Staples and a BuyQ-awarded vendor, today announced the gift of a MakerBot 3D Replicator Printer and a one-year supply of modeling plastic to Reid Traditional Schools in Phoenix, Arizona. The gift is the first given through “3D Imagination: A MakerBot Grant for Charter Schools,” a collaborative program presented by BuyQ, Staples Business Advantage, and MakerBot aimed at encouraging technology-fueled learning opportunities for charter school students.
“We are thrilled to have been awarded the Makerbot 3D printer,” said Heidi Mitchell, CEO, Reid Traditional Schools. “This is the first 3D printer at our school and I know it will be a tremendous resource for both our students and our teachers. The printer will be set up in our computer lab so that all our students can benefit from it.”
The 3D printer and one-year of modeling plastic, valued at $4,335, was made available through a generous donation by Makerbot, a global leader in desktop 3D printing with a focus on making 3D printing more accessible to educators and their students. Staples Business Advantage, which provides charter schools nationwide discounts and other benefits on schools supplies and furniture through its BuyQ group purchasing contract, coordinated the donation.
“Students benefit greatly from having access to this level of technology but it’s often not feasible for charter schools to purchase tools like this outright,” said Marco Rafanelli, Founder and President of BuyQ. “We’re honored to be able to lead this program and extend our thanks to Staples Business Advantage and Makerbot for their generous contribution and their commitments to serving charter schools across the country.”
BuyQ will award a second MakerBot Replicator to a charter school in November 2016. Charter schools can apply for the second MakerBot giveaway by visiting buyq.org/makerbotgrant and submitting a short grant application before October 31, 2016.
ABOUT BUYQ
BuyQ is the only group purchasing organization devoted specifically to charter schools. Working in collaboration with 25+ state-based charter support organizations, BuyQ leverages the combined purchasing power of 5,000+ charter schools to negotiate significant savings and other charter-specific benefits from top national vendors. Participation is free and easy. Visit buyq.org to learn how you can join thousands of charter schools already saving $10+ million annually on the products and services needed to run your school.
ABOUT STAPLES BUSINESS ADVANTAGE
Staples Business Advantage, the business-to-business division of Staples, Inc., helps mid-market, commercial and enterprise-sized customers make more happen by offering a curated assortment of products and services combined with deep expertise, best-in-class customer service, competitive pricing and state-of-the art ecommerce site. Staples Business Advantage is the one-source solution for all things businesses need to succeed, including office supplies, facilities cleaning and maintenance, breakroom snacks and beverages, technology, furniture, interior design and Print & Marketing Services. Headquartered outside of Boston, Staples, Inc. operates throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. More information about Staples (NASDAQ: SPLS) is available at www.staples.com.
