U.S. Apple Association Seeks Nominations for Annual “Apples for Education: Buy an Apple, Help a Student” Program to Fund School Projects

The U.S. Apple Association (USApple), representing the full spectrum of the American apple industry from orchard growers to juice producers, is now accepting nominations for its annual “Apples for Education: Buy an Apple, Help a Student” program. This initiative directs modest industry funding to school-based projects that improve student learning, nutrition and wellness—one apple bite at a time.

Educators, parents, school staff and community members are invited to submit nominations for student-focused causes that need extra support this fall. Typical projects that have benefited from past funding include nutrition and wellness programs, music and art classes, school garden supplies, classroom technology, playground improvements, reading initiatives and hands-on STEM projects like robotics. USApple is especially interested in projects that strengthen students’ health, nutrition awareness and educational opportunities.

Submission window: Entries are being accepted through September 9. To nominate a school project, visit the Apples for Education online nomination form at apples4ed.com/classroom-cause-entry-form (enter this address in your browser). Provide a clear description of the need, the intended use of funds, the number of students impacted and any measurable goals the program aims to achieve. Clear, concise nominations help judges assess the community impact and urgency of each request.

Selection and voting timeline: After nominations are reviewed, selected finalists will be announced and enter the voting phase. From October 1 through November 12, supporters can vote for their favorite nominated school causes. Voting is built around a simple, social-media-driven mechanism: each qualifying social post counts as a vote for the school cause tagged in that post.

How to vote: Supporters can cast votes during the campaign period by following these steps:

• Enjoy a snack featuring apples—fresh apples, applesauce, apple juice—or a product from an Apple Buddy sponsor.
• Snap a photo while eating the snack.
• Tag the chosen school and include the hashtag #Apples4Ed in the post.
• Share the photo on Instagram or Twitter to register the vote.

The school receiving the greatest number of tags and hashtag mentions will earn the largest share of available funding. Additional top-performing schools will also be awarded funds proportionally, ensuring multiple student programs benefit from the campaign.

Impact and past results: In the program’s inaugural year, more than 20,000 votes were cast and USApple awarded $21,000 across 12 student causes. These funded projects ranged from school gardens and playground revitalizations to reading programs and robotics initiatives. Recipients represented diverse communities across the country, from small towns to major metropolitan areas, demonstrating the program’s broad reach and community value.

USApple emphasizes that the program does more than provide financial assistance. “We saw firsthand how this program positively affected children last year,” said Wendy Brannen, Director of Consumer Health and Public Relations at USApple. “Beyond encouraging healthier snacking habits, the funding supported programs that enhanced literacy, promoted hands-on learning and taught families to prepare meals with fruits and vegetables. Each project delivered tangible benefits to students and their communities, and our industry was proud to support these efforts again this fall.”

How to get involved: Community members can participate in multiple ways—by submitting a nomination, encouraging friends and family to vote, or organizing local apple-themed events to raise awareness for a nominated classroom cause. Schools and organizers should explain how funds will be used and share stories that illustrate the program’s potential impact. Clear goals and measurable outcomes increase a project’s visibility and appeal to voters.

About USApple: The U.S. Apple Association is the national trade organization representing all segments of the apple industry. Its membership includes 40 state and regional associations representing approximately 7,500 apple growers nationwide, along with more than 400 firms involved in apple-related businesses. For additional information about the organization, visit USApple.org (type this address into your browser).

Submit a nomination today to help a school in your community access funds for meaningful projects that support student health, learning and enrichment. The Apples for Education program turns everyday healthy choices—like eating an apple—into direct support for schools in need.