It’s amazing to witness how the simple gift of a pencil supports learning and creative expression.

The pencil is a universal tool and symbol of the education community around the world.  The wood-cased pencil is in fact the world’s most ubiquitous tool for handwritten communication.  Perhaps even for the process of learning as a whole.  Forbes Magazine even named the Pencil the fourth most important tool in the history of mankind.  All one needs to do is see the joy on a child’s face through the simple gift of a pencil in many developing countries and economically challenged communities here at home to realize the promise of educational attainment and self-expression inherent in the magical combination of wood and graphite.

CalCedar is committed to the advancement of education and the arts through the wood-cased pencil.

First, our Pencils.com website is not only a leading source of high quality pencils, including an educator discount to support teachers, but also provides educational content on the history, use of and manufacture of pencils.  Hundreds of thousands of teachers, students and enthusiast end users each year use Pencils.com Pencils 101 Learning Resources.  Additionally, both The Pencils Blog and Blackwing Blog provide fresh and inspirational content exploring the many connections between pencils in learning, creative expression and entertainment.

In 2012, CalCedar CEO Charles Berolzheimer II and his wife established the Blackwing Foundation providing their own annual personal financial commitment along with allocating a percentage of annual sales of all Blackwing products to the cause.

We believe that active and ongoing student participation in a comprehensive arts and music curriculum is crucial for every child. Arts and music not only develop lifelong skills including creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking, but also celebrate diverse cultures, fostering cultural awareness, and ensuring the preservation of artistic traditions for future generations. From music to poetry to art, The Blackwing Foundation are committed to expanding access and improving the quality of arts and music programs for all K-12 students.