“Staples is empowering students to make more happen through research, collaboration and entrepreneurial thinking,” said Scott Young, senior vice president of product and business development, Staples. “The first Designed by Students program gave students the opportunity to collaborate and solve real-life problems. Students were able to see how their ideas and creativity transformed into innovative new products.”
Staples will introduce the new school supplies in stores nationwide and at Staples.com starting on June 28. Teams of middle school students collaborated as part of Staples’ unique Designed by Students education initiative to create products that solve school supply needs. The innovative students of The Ron Clark Academy located in Atlanta, GA were amongst the students that had the opportunity to create some of the supplies.
On Thursday, June 11th I was invited to be a media guest of Staples to see first hand the innovative designs of the amazing students that attend The Ron Clark Academy. The students were allowed to draw out their ideas just an any designer would do and collectively the work together with Staples to create a prototype which eventually after months of communication with the Staples team becomes actual supplies that they created designed to cater to students all over the world. What I found especially enlightening about the #MakeMoreHappen Staples initiative is that they actually listened to the students needs and decided to create supplies that are catered specifically to the students needs. As a parent this is a major win for both my kids and I because this year when I head to Staples for my kids school supplies, I can be assured that I will be purchasing school supplies that will actually be beneficial to my kids. One student actually created a left-handed binder without the rings which is pure genius and as a mother of a left-handed child this is a major win for us.
The Designed by Students products include exclusive folders, pencil pouches, backpacks, lunch bags, locker shelves and portable desks that all feature multiple uses. Available in multiple color combinations utilizing hot tones of grey, neon green, purple, pink, red, and blue, the Staples Designed by Students product line features:
The Big Pen: This colorful all-in-one writing instrument and pencil case features interchangeable writing tips, zipper pocket for small accessories, a built-in pencil sharpener and extra-large eraser. ($8.99)
Big Props Pencil Case: A pencil case in eye-catching color combos, this pencil case not only stores multiple writing instruments and accessories, but also props up most phones, small books and mini-tablets. ($7.99)
Super Folder: The ultimate folder for getting super organized! Available in super color-combinations, this multi-purpose folder includes storage areas, a zipper pouch, clear pockets for class schedules, a pencil sharpener, sticky notes and a writing pad. ($12.99)
Portable Desk: Do classwork anytime, anywhere with this colorful portable desk with a smooth writing surface. Desk also includes interior compartments for notebook and pencil storage and has a side slot for headphones and power cords. ($39.99)
Tray Desk: Create a simple workspace with the Tray Desk featuring an interior base that doubles as a dry erase board and smooth writing surface. The Tray Desk includes inside mesh pockets for writing essentials and a horizontal pocket to hold papers in place. ($29.99)
The Bag: Make taking lunch to school a cinch with The Bag which includes a fork and spoon combo in a hidden compartment handle. Colorful and made of dishwasher safe silicon material, it folds flat for convenient storage ($12.99)
Accordion Bag: Get a backpack that flexes with your ever-changing schedule. The Accordion Bag, available in popular color combos, expands and shrinks when you need it and has plenty of pockets to keep everything organized. It includes two padded compartments for tech devices up to 15”, multiple pockets for accessory storage and a water bottle. Secondary compartments with organization pockets are included with key clips and expanded gusset for extra storage. ($45.99)
Back2Back School Bag: Tote school essentials in this square-shaped school bag that provides wider storage space, water bottle pockets, and a breathable and detachable compartment for additional storage. Available in several color combinations, this bag also includes two compartments for tech devices up to 15”. ($52.99)
Floating Locker Shelves: Add a pop of color and maximize locker space! The Floating Locker Shelves in reversible hot color combos create four triangular sections for storing school essentials. ($12.99)
~Turkesha