Springfield, IL – Horace Mann Educatotrs Corp. has formed a strategic partnership with Crayola, a brand synonymous with color, creativity, and education.

The collaboration unites two purpose-driven organizations with a shared commitment to supporting educators and school communities.

As part of this expansive partnership, Horace Mann is sponsoring Crayola Creativity Week that reaches more than 820,000 educators and 13.2 million students. This sponsorship includes virtual educational events, creativity spokespersons, teaching resources, and prizes that help educators care for themselves and their students.

“Crayola is an iconic brand that has been inspiring creativity in classrooms for seven generations. The natural synergies between our missions led us to expanding our impact by collaborating on resources that support education communities around the country,” said Steve Chauby, Chief Marketing and Distribution Officer at Horace Mann. “We’re thrilled to launch this partnership and look forward to the possibilities it brings.”

“Crayola has long supported creative teaching and learning in schools. Many studies show that student outcomes improve when students are engaged using creativity and hands-on learning. Horace Mann’s dedication to educators aligns with our mission to help parents and educators raise creatively alive children,” said Anna Roca, Crayola Head of Global Partnerships & Promotions. “This collaboration will help infuse creativity in even more schools throughout the U.S. through easy to use, turnkey resources for teachers that encourages children to put their imagination into action.”

Crayola Creativity Week is an integral part of the brand’s Campaign for Creativity advocacy program that speaks to the importance of creativity as an essential life skill in preparing children for success in any career. Launched in 2022, Creativity Week is a free, standards-aligned, seven-day creative learning program that provides schools, families, and libraries with inspiring and interactive content delivered by world-renowned creative talent. The virtual event, with participation in more than 120 countries, gives educators and parents resources to help nurture children’s creativity and supplies children with the tools to bring their ideas to life, encouraging imaginative expression and innovative thinking.