Family Focus

Classroom Central

Classroom Central equips students living in poverty to effectively learn by collecting and distributing free school supplies.

Our impact:
Classroom Central serves 100,000 students in over 200 schools in 6 school districts.

Our history:
The Classroom Central dream began in early 2000.  A team of local business leaders set out to provide free supplies to children living in poverty.

After conducting a feasibility study to gauge the level of need and after two years of planning and a generous gift of $200,000 in seed money from the Carolina Panthers Children's Charities, the Free Store opened its doors.

Key facts:

  • Over 50% of our region's students are living in poverty
  • Classroom Central does not receive any government, United Way, or school system funding. We rely solely on the generosity of donors and corporations.
  • Download our flyer or visit us for a Show & Tell Tour to learn more!

Annual Report

View Classroom Central's Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2016

GALLERY: View behind the scenes 9 School Tools photos

Our programs:

We serve high needs students via four programs:

  • Classroom Central Free Store – Teachers and other school personnel in eligible schools "shop" for free school supplies throughout the academic year.  All materials distributed are used to create inviting learning environments and to support the academic and personal growth of students living in poverty.

  • Classroom Up – The Classroom Up program is the first of its kind in the United States and allows teachers to order essential school supplies via an online portal. The free supplies are then delivered directly to the school.

  • Classroom Central Mobile Free Store – Classroom Central delivers essential items to the high-poverty schools that are geographically further from our Free Store, an effort to make sure to reach more students.

  • Backpacks & Basics – With the help of sponsors, Classroom Central outfits the highest poverty schools in the region (100% free reduced lunch rate) with supply kits and backpacks for their entire student body.

Connect with #9SchoolTools on social media!

Cox Media Group

Most Read