Box Tops for Education Celebrates Teacher Appreciation Month with $300,000 Award to Schools Nationwide

Awards provide funding for programs that turn community support into meaningful, lasting change for schools nationwide, including South Kearns Elementary just outside of Salt Lake City

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Every May, Box Tops for Education champions Teacher Appreciation Month and celebrates the educators who go above and beyond for their students — and this year, Box Tops is highlighting its recent $300,000 award to schools nationwide. The funding — provided in December 2024 to 10 different schools across the country — is now being brought to life this spring, transforming classrooms, playgrounds, and student experiences through educator-led initiatives.

Box Tops for Education, established by General Mills in 1996, is one of the nation's longest-running school earnings programs. Since its launch, the program has helped schools earn nearly $1 billion for essential classroom needs, technology, and enrichment opportunities.

South Kearns Elementary School, just outside of Salt Lake City, Utah, is one of 10 schools that received $30,000 from Box Tops late last year. Their funding is already being used to implement creative programs that support student growth in engaging, tangible ways. First on their list? This May, the school is unveiling permanent soccer goals on the playground to encourage active play, connection, and teamwork during recess and after school.

“This $30,000 funding from Box Tops gave us the opportunity to say ‘yes’ to ideas that truly enrich our school community for students and teachers alike — starting with new soccer goals that are already making a difference,” said Principal Kimberly Babka of South Kearns Elementary. “They’ve created a space for connection, teamwork, and joy. This support not only uplifts our students but also affirms the work educators do every day!”

Box Tops has recently seen growing momentum. What began as a traditional clipping program has since evolved into a modern, app-powered platform, and in December 2024, schools saw a 19% year-over-year increase in earnings, driven by nearly 4.9 million more Box Tops than the previous year. Through the Box Tops app, which has over 217,000 active monthly users, families earn cash for their schools by purchasing participating products and scanning receipts — or, through the Connected Accounts feature to earn Box Tops with no scanning required.

“Box Tops for Education has always been about giving schools the resources they need to support educators and students in meaningful ways,” said Tiffani Daniels, Director Loyalty & Rewards at Box Tops for Education. “This Teacher Appreciation Month, Box Tops values the importance of educators, celebrating them the entire month of May — and it’s inspiring to see how teachers at South Kearns Elementary and the other nine schools are using this funding to transform the lives of their students.”

In addition to South Kearns Elementary, the following schools received $30,000 in Box Tops for Education funding:

• Altavesta Elementary School (Woburn, MA)
• Ashley River Creative Arts Elementary School (Charleston, SC)
• Brendel Elementary School (Grand Blanc, MI)
• Brown Barge Middle School (Brent, FL)
• Deep Creek Elementary School (Essex, MD)
• Irving Elementary School (Cleburne, TX)
• Lorenzo Manor Elementary (San Lorenzo, CA)
• Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic School (Fort Wayne, IN)
• Westport Heights Elementary School (Los Angeles, CA)

To further encourage participation this Teacher Appreciation Month, Box Tops for Education is offering a limited-time incentive; starting May 1, earn a $5 bonus for your school when you download the Box Tops app and scan your first receipt. Helping educators year-round has never been more rewarding! All you have to do is download the Box Tops app and use code TEACHER to get $5 in Box Tops for your school. Offer ends May 31, 2025.

Don’t have the Box Tops for Education app? You can support educators in your community this Teacher Appreciation Month and year-round by downloading it in the App Store or Google Play today! For instructions on how to activate and use Connected Accounts, visit BoxTops4Education.com.

About Box Tops for Education®

Box Tops for Education, founded by General Mills in 1996, is a school earnings program that enables families to support their local schools through everyday purchases. By using the Box Tops app, families can earn cash for schools by scanning receipts or linking store accounts. To date, schools have earned nearly $1 billion through the program. For more information, visit www.boxtops4education.com.

About General Mills

General Mills makes food the world loves. The company is guided by its Accelerate strategy to boldly build its brands, relentlessly innovate, unleash its scale and stand for good. Its portfolio of beloved brands includes household names like Cheerios, Nature Valley, Blue Buffalo, Häagen-Dazs, Old El Paso, Pillsbury, Betty Crocker, Yoplait, Totino’s, Annie’s, Wanchai Ferry, Yoki and more. General Mills generated fiscal 2024 net sales of U.S. $20 billion. In addition, the company’s share of non-consolidated joint venture net sales totaled U.S. $1 billion. For more information, visit www.generalmills.com.