Colorado teachers can request $1,000 from the state to pay for classroom supplies under a newly-expanded program. 

Gov. Jared Polis and the Department of Education pledged $6.7 million to the DonorsChoose Program on Thursday, which gives money to teachers to pay for school supplies and resources to improve students’ learning experiences. This adds to the $11 million allocated to the program in August. 

“Whether it’s more books, new markers and crayons, science lab equipment, or upgraded technology, I’m excited to help teachers get what they need for a great school year,” Polis said. “When we support Colorado’s amazing teachers, we can improve student learning and achievement.”

All preschool through 12th-grade public school teachers can request the money, including those who previously received money through the program. Teachers can submit their project requests online until Sept. 29, as funds last. 

Since the first round of funding was announced last month, more than 2,300 teachers were granted $1,000 each through DonorsChoose. Teachers can use the money for classroom supplies, technology learning tools, instructional materials, and social or mental health resources for students. 

More than 90% of teachers spend their own money on classroom supplies, according to the National Education Association. 

“While we wish every teacher could start the school year with everything they need to support their students, we know that is often not the case for today’s teachers,” said Susana Córdova, Colorado’s education commissioner. “This additional funding from Gov. Polis will help hundreds of Colorado teachers enhance their classrooms and continue to reach students who have been impacted by the disruptions of the pandemic.” 

This latest $6.7 million comes from the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief fund. The first $11 million came from federal COVID-19 recovery funding. 

DonorsChoose was launched to help address student learning loss during the pandemic, as achievement scores plummeted across the state. 

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, teachers spent an average of $479 per year on classroom supplies, according to a U.S. Department of Education survey. In recent years, other estimates have put the average annual out-of-pocket costs at around $750, with 20% to 30% of teachers spending more than $1,000.