Classroom Central has received a significant contribution from The David & Nicole Tepper Foundation and the Carolina Panthers, reinforcing a partnership focused on educational equity in North and South Carolina. The donation enables Classroom Central to distribute more than 38,000 backpacks filled with school supplies for the 2025-26 academic year, addressing a gap of over 13,000 additional backpacks compared to previous years.
Karen Calder, Executive Director of Classroom Central, said, “This is more than a donation—it’s the largest backpack contribution Classroom Central has received and a commitment to removing barriers for students and helping teachers thrive. We’re honored to deepen this legacy of support with The David & Nicole Tepper Foundation and Carolina Panthers, two organizations that understand when educators have what they need, students succeed. Through our Backpacks & Basics program, we’ll be able to help 52,455 students across eight school districts start the school year prepared and confident.”
The gift supports Classroom Central’s five-year strategic plan aimed at reaching 104,000 students annually by 2029. The plan also seeks to serve over half of eligible teachers in its service area and provide $14 million worth of free school supplies during that period.
David and Nicole Tepper commented on the ongoing partnership: “Supporting students and teachers is a priority for us, and we’re grateful to continue our work with Classroom Central to uplift communities across the Carolinas through education. Access to quality academic resources and school supplies is critical. Education is a longstanding core pillar of our philanthropy and we remain committed to helping students and teachers thrive.”
In addition to expanding backpack distribution through Backpacks & Basics, the Learning Locker initiative—which was piloted in 2024 at Nations Ford Elementary—will extend into three more schools. This expansion aims to give underserved students and educators direct access to necessary classroom materials throughout the year.
The Carolina Panthers have supported Classroom Central since its establishment in 2002.
