U.S. Cellular is donating $1 million to fund teacher classroom projects through its Calling All Teachers program. Last year, the company contributed $500,000 towards educational materials for improved classroom experiences; 100 Maine teachers had their classroom projects funded by U.S. Cellular in 2013, totaling more than $62,000 and benefiting more than 5,300 students.

U.S. Cellular is working with DonorsChoose.org for a fourth time and encourages teachers to post their projects on the site for potential funding. DonorsChoose.org is a charity website that helps teachers identify funds from corporate and individual donations for classroom projects.

“Teachers play such a transformative role in student achievement and we want to help ensure they have the necessary tools to provide a positive learning experience,” said Matt Kasper, director of sales for U.S. Cellular in New England. “The Calling All Teachers program allows us to impact teachers and students in our entire footprint and create unique opportunities for teachers to engage, inspire, and educate in the classroom.”

Through U.S. Cellular's ongoing commitment to the community and education, the company has contributed more than $7 million through this and other philanthropic programming. Starting today K-12 public school teachers can register online. Then beginning August 11, they can post their classroom projects for funding consideration. All projects must be submitted by September 21 to be eligible for this year’s funding. Selected projects will be in announced in October.

“Teachers are often looking for resources to improve students’ educational experiences and we want to help ease the process,” said Charles Best, founder and CEO of DonorsChoose.org. “We’re pleased to join U.S. Cellular for a fourth year in their efforts because funding teachers’ classroom projects to this magnitude can have a lasting impact on students and schools.”