This year families will spend an average of $864 on back to school supplies, according to the National Retail Foundation. With inflation rising, one-third of consumers are having to cut back spending in other areas in order to afford these supplies. Teachers are often forced to buy their own supplies even though they make 21.4% less than their similarly educated peers.
Minneapolis Colleagues Give Back
Recently, our Minneapolis colleagues rallied the office to give back to their community schools. During the month of August they raised $1,100 to purchase school supplies. The team bought backpacks, notebooks, pencils, and items needed for classrooms. Our colleagues then donated the items to the Minneapolis Public Schools.
“I think of the Back to School event similarly to how we as consultants need certain tools up front to be to be successful on projects. It is the same for students in Minneapolis Public Schools. They need to have the supplies needed to start the year off towards success. All students need their own pencils, folders, paper, crayons, and calculators to be able to participate fully in their education and build their knowledge. Knowing that I can contribute to classrooms in this small way fills my cup.”
– Lyndsey Ruhland, lead business consultant
An Award Winning Culture
Our team in Minneapolis truly has an outstanding culture. They have been named a Top Workplace by the Minneapolis Start Tribune 9 times. And a lot of what drives that culture to be so great is their spirit of giving back. This year, we announced a new Bright Paths Program cohort in Minneapolis. The Bright Paths Program is advancing STEM education and career opportunities while helping to close the employment gaps that exist in the tech industry, especially among women and minorities.
The team has also been huge supporters of Technovation, a program that teaches girls the skills they need to change the world with technology. They’ve supported Toys for Tots and participated in Paint-A-Thons. But they also take pride in having a great working relationship with their colleagues. Over the years they’ve done boat cruises, picnics, apple picking, and holiday parties to garner team spirit. And they’re not stopping anytime soon yet!
JOIN AN AWARD-WINNING WORKPLACE
At Perficient, we continually look for ways to champion and challenge our talented workforce with interesting projects for high-profile clients, encourage personal and professional growth through training and mentoring, and celebrate our people-oriented culture and the innovative ways they serve Perficient and the community.
Visit our Careers page to see career opportunities and more!
Go inside Life at Perficient and connect with us on LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
