Back to School Shopping Made Easy with ILTPP Marketplace

03 Jul 2025 8 min read
Amanda Bruns
Amanda Bruns
Member Engagement Manager, Learning Technology Center
Sam Fishel
Sam Fishel
Digital Content Manager, Learning Technology Center

When you think “back to school”, what comes to mind? Freshly-decorated classrooms, flocks of eager students…and of course, plenty of new school supplies. The new school year wouldn’t be complete without a long list of educational must-haves.

For students, a pristine set of pencils, notebooks, and binders typically make the short list. For schools, the list is often much longer. New devices, digital textbooks, art supplies, copiers, replacement classroom furniture…the list can feel endless. Add in a time crunch and you’re looking at an overwhelming procurement process to cap off your relaxing summer break.

But not this year. With August just around the corner, give the ILTPP Marketplace a try. 

Our user-friendly procurement platform is a game-changer for K-12 schools looking to efficiently and affordably fill up their back-to-school carts. In just a couple clicks, you can find everything from crayons to Chromebooks – all while saving time and enjoying exclusive discounts.

Back-to-School Procurement, Made Easy

Shopping the ILTPP Marketplace comes with serious perks, especially during back-to-school season.

These are three benefits you enjoy every time you shop, ensuring your classrooms are prepared for learning when the first bell rings.

Perk #1
Pre-Vetted Vendors

Why second guess who you’re purchasing from? Shop with confidence from our curated list of Vendor Partners, who’ve all been vetted based on their competitive pricing, stability, and customer service with K-12 clients.

Perk #2
Open 24/7

The Marketplace is always open, allowing you to browse and place orders at your convenience, (including when a teacher or tech director submits a last-minute request).

Perk #3
Instant Discounts, All in One Cart

No codes or separate logins needed here. All of our member-exclusive discounts are automatically applied at checkout, even if you shop from several different catalogs. That includes competitive prices and volume discounts that individual schools might not otherwise be offered.

You won’t need to take out your p-card more than once, either. All of your purchases on the Marketplace are added to a single, unified cart, saving plenty of clicks when it’s time to checkout.

Empowering your Team with Approval Chains

From start to finish, the Marketplace makes it easy to get what your school needs and get it paid for without delay. By setting up an approval chain, everyone from teachers to administrators can collaborate on procurement, all in just a couple clicks:

Teachers

Teachers and other non-purchasers can identify their needs by building their own cart directly on the Marketplace. The platform’s user-friendly interface feels like regular online shopping, so teachers won’t get sidetracked while comparison shopping or adding items to their cart.

Administrators

Once completed, carts can be submitted directly to school or district leaders for review and approval. This seamless process ensures budget adherence and proper oversight without creating unnecessary bottlenecks.

Start with a (Free) Quote

Have a lengthy back-to-school shopping list? Need to put in a bulk order or find a unique piece of equipment? Start with a free quote request through the Marketplace.

This handy service allows you to submit your needs to the ILTPP team, who will put in the legwork to gather quotes from various relevant vendors. Every quote includes each vendor’s best deals and applicable volume discounts, making it easier to compare and choose the best option for your budget without the extra hassle.

Three Partners with School Essentials

Start stocking up on printer paper, whiteboard markers, easels, and everything in between with these trusted Vendor Partners. Their full catalogs can keep your classroom shelves well-stocked for months to come:

Quill

Contracts: Office Supplies, School & Instructional Supplies

Based in Illinois, Quill provides everyday low prices on key essentials for every school district. 

Contract Highlights: 15% off all office and school supplies; 10% off all furniture; 5% off all technology products; free 1-2 day shipping with no minimums

School Specialty

Contracts: School & Instructional Supplies, Furniture, Athletic Equipment & Supplies

More than a trusted supplier, School Specialty is a collaborative partner in creating and supplying a learning environment where students can thrive.

Contract Highlights: 35% off list price on supply items; free shipping on parcels over $49; 14% off list price on furniture; free shipping on all truck shipped orders

Lakeshore Learning

Contracts: School & Instructional Supplies, Furniture

Developed by educators, Lakeshore’s products are crafted to help students reach developmental and academic milestones through eighth grade, with furniture designed for any learning space through high school.

Contract Highlights: Custom classroom planning; special education solutions; white glove delivery

New School Year, New Way to Purchase

The start of the school year is stressful enough. Make procurement one of this school year’s no-stress successes by shopping the ILTPP Marketplace

From free, convenient quotes and 60+ pre-vetted vendors to streamlined approval chains, the Marketplace offers you the confidence needed to stock up and save – no matter what your team needs to make this school year a success.

Don’t forget to check back often during the school year, too! New contracts are added almost every month, increasing your opportunities to save on cybersecurity support, instructional materials, and STEM supplies

Questions?

Let’s put your purchasing power to work.

Visit iltpp.org or contact iltpp@ltcillinois.org for answers and support throughout the procurement process.

Amanda Bruns
Amanda Bruns
Member Engagement Manager, Learning Technology Center

Amanda leads ILTPP's member engagement by driving membership growth and support through strategic programs and statewide outreach, ensuring schools across Illinois realize substantial financial benefits.

Sam Fishel
Sam Fishel
Digital Content Manager, Learning Technology Center

Sam leads and supports the execution and growth of LTC services through the development and creation of innovative, impactful, and timely digital content.