Volkswagen of America today announced a collaboration with DonorsChoose.org, an online charity dedicated to supporting teachers with funding for classroom projects and basic supplies.
The partnership gives customers, dealers and employees a chance to help teachers prepare for the new school year, according to the company.
The company said the average public school teacher spends $479 on school supplies annually. At DonorsChoose.org, teachers request resources their students need and donors can choose the ones they want to support. When a project is fully funded, all the requested items are purchased and shipped directly to the school.
Volkswagen's $1 million donation includes both a corporate donation to DonorsChoose.org to directly fund selected classroom projects, as well as funding for DonorsChoose.org donation cards pre-loaded with funds from Volkswagen. The cards are available for dealers to give to customers during the summer event.
Customers who receive a donation card will be able to visit the website and select a classroom project that Volkswagen will support.
Volkswagen, which employs about 3,500 people in Chattanooga at an assembly plant, is also inviting employees to participate in the giving program by offering to match employee contributions from $25 to $2,500.
"Education in our public schools is a fundamental foundation for every student in this country, and DonorsChoose.org is able to support thousands of teachers and students each year," said Jim Zabel, vice president of marketing for Volkswagen of America.