TakingITGlobal and Staples Foundation for Learning Take Action on Climate Change across Europe

TakingITGlobal, a global non-profit organization that serves youth worldwide through a multilingual online learning community and innovative education programs, announced today it has received a $116,000 grant from Staples Foundation for Learning (SFFL), a private foundation created by Staples, Inc. The grant will support Tread Lightly, a multi-faceted program that provides educators and youth with opportunities to learn about and take action on climate change. SFFL began a global partnership with TakingITGlobal in 2009 with a $100,000 grant and expanded the reach of the organization’s environmental education programs across Europe.

Tread Lightly provides teachers with online tools and resources to engage secondary school students in climate change issues at local, national and international levels. Participating educators have access to a number of interrelated components, including an interdisciplinary curriculum guide, an online classroom pre-populated with lesson plans and resources, an environmentally themed art contest, and ecological footprint challenges. With this investment from SFFL, TakingITGlobal will promote this program in eight European countries: England, France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Norway. In addition, the teacher resources will be translated into six new languages so students across Europe, North America, Asia and South America can take part in the program.

"We’re looking forward to building on the momentum generated during the first year of the Tread Lightly program," said Jennifer Corriero, TakingITGlobal’s Executive Director and Co-Founder. "With the renewed commitment from Staples Foundation for Learning, we have a great opportunity to make these unique educational tools available to teachers and youth across Europe."

"TakingITGlobal has done an excellent job of teaching and inspiring youth around the world to take action on climate change and make a positive difference," said Katy Dobbs, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility for Staples International. "Staples Foundation for Learning is committed to the Tread Lightly program and help grow its reach and impact on youth across Europe."

The teacher toolkit, available online free of charge, is designed to support curriculum objectives across a wide range of subject areas. Lesson plans introduce the issue of climate change through the lens of the ecological footprint concept. Educators who join the Tread Lightly program are granted complimentary use of the TIG virtual classroom communities, allowing students to collaborate globally with other Tread Lightly schools and share best practices for minimizing their ecological footprints.

Tread Lightly welcomes all youth and educators who want to join the challenge. Visit www.treadlightly.me or email info@treadlightly.me to find out more.

About TakingITGlobal
TakingITGlobal (TIG) serves youth worldwide through innovative education programs and a multilingual online learning community that provides access to resources and action tools intended to inspire, inform and involve. Since launching in 2000, 20 million people have accessed the website to learn, grow and realize their potential. TIG envisions youth everywhere actively engaged and connected in shaping a more inclusive, peaceful and sustainable world.

About Staples Foundation for Learning
Founded in 2002, Staples Foundation for Learning has contributed to nearly 1,000 global, national and local charities that provide educational opportunities and job skills for all people, with a special emphasis on disadvantaged youth. Staples Foundation for Learning builds lasting relationships with world-class organizations including TakingITGlobal, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Ashoka, Earth Force and the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City. The foundation is the private charitable arm of Staples, Inc. and is an integral component of Staples Soul, which recognizes the connection between long-term business success and the impact Staples has on associates, communities and the planet. For more information about the foundation and Staples Soul, please visit www.staplesfoundation.org and www.staples.com/soul.

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