Spotlight: The Pencil Box

Unfortunately, Oklahomans are all too familiar with the following data:

• Over 70% of Tulsa Public Schools students live at or below the Federal Poverty Level.
• Oklahoma leads the country in cutting funds for education.
• Oklahoma pays teachers less than any other state in the nation.
• Tulsa teachers spend an average of $500 annually on school supplies—out of their own pockets.

Families struggling to make ends meet, underfunded schools, and underpaid teachers cannot afford the tools required for learning.

This is where The Pencil Box comes in. The Pencil Box is a nonprofit free store that provides the necessary supplies students must have to learn.

Teachers from eligible schools visit The Pencil Box and select supplies specific to the needs of their students. Schools eligible to participate are pre-K through grade 12 public schools where over 70% of students live at or below the Federal Poverty Level. After the teacher’s visit, both the school and school district superintendent receive detailed reports.

Access to supplies has made a significant impact at participating schools. It has improved student interest in learning by 100%, class participation by 99%, student preparedness by 100%, homework completion by 86%, self-esteem by 97%, student attendance by 80%, and student behavior by 96%.

The nonprofit relies on businesses, foundations, and individuals for donations of materials and/or funds to purchase discounted supplies from its partners. If you are interested in helping The Pencil Box positively impact our schools, teachers, students, and ultimately our community, visit pencilboxtulsa.org.