What Stephen Colbert Just Did for South Carolina Schools Will Make You Love Him Even More

Impact

Tip of the hat to you, Stephen Colbert.

The former Colbert Report host and soon-to-be replacement for David Letterman at the Late Show is spending his downtime — and money — wisely. On Thursday, Colbert, along with the Morgridge Family Foundation's Share Fair Nation and ScanSource, announced plans to donate $800,000 to teachers in South Carolina, according to the Greenville News.

Mic/The Greenville News

Speaking via remote video feed to young students at Alexander Elementary School in Greenville, Colbert revealed plans to put up $400,000 "using the proceeds from the sale of my old set on the Colbert Report" — a figure that Share Fair and ScanSource will match — to pay for every outstanding classroom grant request on the crowdfunding site DonorsChoose.org.

Mic/The Greenville News

The DonorsChoose website includes a comprehensive list of all the requests — including everything from an iPad for a teacher looking to "boost math and literacy skills" among her students to "books with African-American protagonists for a classroom library" — now fulfilled by Colbert and his partners.

"I commend Stephen, Share Fair Nation and Greenville's own ScanSource for the support that they have given the dedicated and hardworking teachers of South Carolina through this gracious gift," Molly Spearman, the state superintendent of education, said during a Google Hangout after the event. "I know these teachers will use it in a way that improves the quality of education for South Carolina's students."

Watch the whole video right here: