MEMPHIS, Tenn., December 20, 2022 /CSRwire/ - Amid unparalleled educational challenges brought on by COVID-19, Memphis-based International Paper has renewed its commitment to fighting childhood illiteracy, joining Coaching for Literacy as its signature partner for the sixth straight year. The partnership directs more than $300,000 annually in funding through Coaching for Literacy’s Fight for Literacy campaign, and includes gifts in 20 communities of at least $10,000 to support local literacy initiatives. In each of these 20 communities, IP will match donations up to $5,000.

“In 2021, a Stanford study revealed that second and third-graders were about 30% behind where they should have been in reading after the pandemic school interruptions, and that’s tragic when, already, two out of every three third graders weren’t reading on grade level,” said Jason Baker, Co-Executive Director at Coaching for Literacy. “Educators and organizations like ours are working hard to help students overcome those missed learning opportunities, and partners like International Paper truly help provide the tools needed to win this fight.”

Through its partnership, International Paper is recognized as a presenting sponsor at every Fight for Literacy game, through which Coaching for Literacy partners with sports organizations (most notably college basketball teams) to raise awareness and funds to fight illiteracy. Funds raised through the games are granted to local partners to support literacy for students in kindergarten through third grade. In prior years, grants have funded tutoring programs, summer learning camps, and the purchase of age-appropriate reading materials for classrooms and students in need.

“Literacy is the foundation of all education, and improving it is how we will prepare tomorrow’s leaders,” said Dr. Alissa Campbell Shaw, senior manager, Corporate Social Responsibility and Community Engagement, International Paper. “Partnering with Coaching for Literacy allows us to impact tens of thousands of students and numerous organizations in communities across the United States. We are committed to this partnership and heartened by the difference we can make in the Fight for Literacy.”

Over the past six years, through its partnership with Coaching for Literacy, International Paper has directly provided more than $800,000 in grant funding to 40 literacy organizations in more than a dozen states. This season, Coaching for Literacy has more than 43 Fight for Literacy games scheduled, with additional games and athletic partners in the works for the year.

About International Paper

International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a leading global supplier of renewable fiber-based products. We produce corrugated packaging products that protect and promote goods, and enable worldwide commerce, and pulp for diapers, tissue and other personal care products that promote health and wellness. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., we employ approximately 38,000 colleagues globally. We serve customers worldwide, with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, North Africa and Europe. Net sales for 2021 were $19.4 billion. In Russia, we have a 50/50 joint venture, Ilim Group, the country's largest integrated manufacturer of pulp and paper. Additional information can be found by visiting InternationalPaper.com.

About Coaching for Literacy

Founded in 2013 by two high school students, Coaching for Literacy aims to raise awareness of and support solutions to the widespread problem of illiteracy. Using the power and influence of sports, the organization partners with teams across the country to host Fight for Literacy games, which drives funds for grants to literacy-focused programs in their communities. Coaching for Literacy operates on the core belief that literacy is a fundamental right of every individual. For more information, visit CoachingForLiteracy.org.

International Paper Company

International Paper Company

About International Paper

International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a global producer of sustainable packaging, pulp and other fiber-based products, and one of the world's largest recyclers. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., we employ approximately 39,000 colleagues globally who are committed to creating what's next. We serve customers worldwide, with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, North Africa and Europe. Net sales for 2023 were $18.9 billion. Additional information can be found by visiting internationalpaper.com/.

About International Paper - EMEA

In Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA), International Paper focuses on the production and marketing of fiber-based packaging and specialty pulp, employing approximately 4,400 people. As a leading supplier of high-quality corrugated containers for a multitude of applications, we serve customers throughout the region from our network of two recycled containerboard mills and 23 box plants in France, Italy, Morocco, Portugal and Spain. Specialty pulp is made in Gdansk, Poland. Other products available from International Paper in the region include a variety of Kraft linerboard and other pulp products.

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