K-12 educators invited to apply for a chance to win a $50,000 classroom makeover

Beginning today, teachers and educators across the country can officially apply for KI’s Fourth Annual Classroom Furniture Giveaway, a national initiative that awards four K-12 educators with $50,000 each to reimagine and transform their learning spaces, at no cost to them or their schools.

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Anna Zibro, winner of KI’s third annual classroom furniture giveaway, celebrates her redesigned third-grade classroom at Rensselaer Park Elementary School in Troy, NY.

The program, which has already impacted 11 teachers and their classrooms nationwide, was created to help educators address challenges such as student disengagement, outdated learning environments, and teacher burnout by redesigning physical spaces to better support modern learning.

Research from previous winners shows that flexible layouts and supportive seating does more than make students comfortable; they boost engagement, collaboration, and confidence. Past results include:

• 88% of students say their seating is comfortable
• 96% say it’s easy to break into groups and collaborate
• 92% say it’s fun to study in their classroom

“Educators know their students best, and when they have the tools and flexibility to design their own classrooms, the results are extraordinary,” said Emily McGinnis, KI’s K-12 market manager. “This program gives teachers the opportunity to create environments that support collaboration, well-being, and inclusivity, all of which are essential to helping students thrive.”

Eligibility

The giveaway is open to U.S. residents who are at least 21 years old and currently employed as K-12 teachers. Any K-12 learning space is eligible—traditional classrooms, activity-based learning spaces, esports labs, libraries, and the like. Among the entries, three classrooms (including specialty learning spaces) and one library will be selected as winners. Administrators and community members are also encouraged to share this opportunity and refer teachers or educators to apply.

How to Enter

Educators can participate in three simple steps:

1. Use KI’s free Classroom Planner Tool to design their dream learning space using KI furniture.
2. Submit their completed design and entry form online at ki.com/giveaway between September 29 and October 17, 2025.
3. Follow KI on social media at Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

KI’s education team, along with a panel of architects and designers, will review all entries to select finalists. Finalists will be announced on November 7, after which the public can vote for their favorite designs or teachers through November 16. The four winners will be revealed on November 19 with classroom installations completed in 2026.

“This is more than a giveaway; it’s about empowering teachers and students to co-create spaces where learning and connection can flourish,” McGinnis said.

ABOUT KI

KI manufactures innovative furniture for education, healthcare, government, and corporate markets. The employee-owned company is headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin, with sales and manufacturing facilities worldwide. KI tailors products and service solutions to the specific needs of each customer through its unique design and manufacturing philosophy. For more information, visit ki.com.

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Research from previous winners shows that flexible layouts and supportive seating does more than make students comfortable; they boost engagement, collaboration, and confidence.