Katy Perry Says 'It's Cool To Be Intelligent' As She Kicks Off Make Roar Happen with Staples to Support Teachers, Education

Staples, headquartered in Framingham, has teamed up with pop music superstar Katy Perry to “Make Roar Happen” and celebrate and support teachers and education.

Building on its long history of supporting teachers, students, and education, Staples donated $1 million to DonorsChoose.org, a charity that has helped fund more than 450,000 classroom projects for teachers and impacted more than 11 million students, during the press conference Thursday in Los Angeles for its Make Roar Happen campaign.

Staples is now the presenting sponsor of the North American leg of Katy Perry’s Prismatic World Tour, which stops in Boston on Aug. 1 & 2.

"Today, we are roaring for education," said Alison Corcoran, senior vice president, North American stores and online marketing, Staples

 “With music that inspires people worldwide, Katy Perry is a powerful voice to encourage people to ‘Roar’ and recognize teachers for their impact both inside and outside the classroom," said Corcoran.

"Sometimes it is nice to take the attention that I have and the spotlight that I have and shine it on things that are more important than green hair and hot pink shoes," said Perry at the LA press conference. "And what is most important ... is Making Roar Happen and partnering with Staples so that we all have a better education."

"Make Roar Happen is about celebrating and supporting teachers," said Perry in an interview after the press conference. "I believe education is power and strength and empowerment. And I am all about empowerment, especially with my themes and my anthems like Roar. And so if I can help empower a person through their education then I want to be a part of it."

Perry, said in an interview after the press conference, "at my shows there are so many different age ranges from kindergarten to college and beyond, but I feel like a lot of people coming to my shows are in school. School is a part of their everyday life. It is reminding kids that it is cool to be intelligent."

A recent Staples survey revealed that 75% of parents of teen students believe a lack of school supplies is a significant challenge for schools today.

 Most teachers spend an average of $408.71 of their own money each year to provide supplies and materials for their classrooms. 

“I’m glad to partner with Staples on my Prismatic World Tour to raise awareness and funds for DonorsChoose.org, and to remind my fans that a small gesture can make a large impact on the very basic materials classrooms need for teachers to help students reach their full potential,” said Perry.

Staples customers are encouraged to make "Roar" happen for their local teachers by donating $1 to online at Staples.com/MakeRoarHappen. Staples said donations will be used to fund classroom projects in the community where the donation was made.

Staples customers who spend $10 or more at any Staples store will receive a unique code(s) based on the total amount spent. Code(s) will be provided on their store receipt to enter online at Staples.com/MakeRoarHappen for a chance to win two tickets to a concert in the U.S. portion of the Katy Perry Prismatic World Tour Presented by Staples. To win tickets, participants must enter the code on their purchase receipt from now to Sept. 25 at Staples.com/MakeRoarHappen.

“We so appreciate the tremendous support from Staples, its loyal customers, and Perry, helping teachers and students across the country,” said Charles Best, Founder and CEO, DonorsChoose.org. “The hard work and dedication teachers provide should not come at their own expense. The ‘Make Roar Happen’ campaign is an incredible vehicle to help fulfill the classroom dreams of teachers and students.”

And finally, beginning on June 25, fans will have a chance to win a trip to Los Angeles to meet Katy Perry and attend her concert on Sept. 19 at the Staples Center by entering the ‘Make Roar Happen’ Video Sweepstakes. 

Everyone is invited to create videos ‘Roaring’ about their educational goals, inspirational teachers, or how education has positively affected their lives. 

To enter, upload your ‘Roar’ video at Staples.com/MakeRoarHappen. 

Entries must be submitted before 11:59 PM ET on Sept. 3, and participants must be 18 years or older. 

Participants are encouraged to share their videos on their social channels using the hashtag #MakeRoarHappen. 

See official rules at Staples.com/MakeRoarHappen.