CHARLOTTE – Classroom Central is proud to announce a transformational gift from The David & Nicole Tepper Foundation (DNTF) and Carolina Panthers that strengthens a decades-long partnership to promote equity in education across the Carolinas.
Under the Teppers' leadership, the partnership has grown to fund 25,000 backpacks annually through Backpacks & Basics, while also expanding year-round school supply access through the Learning Locker initiative. This year, The David & Nicole Tepper Foundation and Carolina Panthers are filling a gap of 13,000+ additional backpacks to meet the needs of the community for a total of 38,000+ backpacks with school supplies for the 2025-'26 school year.
"This is more than a donation—it's the largest backpack contribution Classroom Central has received and a commitment to removing barriers for students and helping teachers thrive," said Karen Calder, Executive Director of Classroom Central. "We're honored to deepen this legacy of support with The David & Nicole Tepper Foundation and Carolina Panthers, two organizations that understand when educators have what they need, students succeed. Through our Backpacks & Basics program, we'll be able to help 52,455 students across eight school districts start the school year prepared and confident."
This gift supports Classroom Central's five-year strategic goals, including reaching 104,000 students annually by 2029, serving 54% of eligible teachers, and distributing $14 million in free school supplies. In the upcoming school year, support from The David & Nicole Tepper Foundation and Carolina Panthers will help Classroom Central serve eight school districts in North Carolina and South Carolina.
"Supporting students and teachers is a priority for us, and we're grateful to continue our work with Classroom Central to uplift communities across the Carolinas through education," said David and Nicole Tepper. "Access to quality academic resources and school supplies is critical. Education is a longstanding core pillar of our philanthropy and we remain committed to helping students and teachers thrive."
The Learning Locker program, first piloted in 2024 with Charlotte FC at Nations Ford Elementary, will now expand to three additional schools, allowing underserved students and educators direct on-campus access to essential supplies throughout the year.
The Carolina Panthers have been proud supporters of Classroom Central since its founding in 2002. This partnership fuels more than student success—it sustains teachers and communities.
