YAKIMA, Wash. -- U.S. Cellular is donating $1 million to 10 schools nationwide through its second annual Calling All Communities campaign.

Now through Jan. 15, anyone 18 or older can visit any U.S. Cellular store to get a code to vote online for the school of their choice. There’s no purchase necessary, and voters don’t have to be U.S. Cellular customers.

All public and private schools, kindergarten through high school, are eligible to win.  And each $100,000 award can be used however the winning schools see fit.

“Many school districts are literally in crisis mode,” Jeff Childs, senior vice president and chief human resources officer for U.S. Cellular, said in a recent news release. “As a company, we care about kids and the quality of the education they receive. The passion and energy of our 9,000 associates will help spread the word as we get behind this common purpose.”

According to a recent survey conducted by the American Association of School Administrators, 76 percent of school administrators report the economic downturn has negatively affected student achievement.

Another recent study by the University of Washington projects states will cut an average of 18 percent of their education spending during the next three years.

In last year’s Calling All Communities campaign, more than 120,000 votes were cast for 6,500 schools across the country. Winners represented public and private schools in Wisconsin, Illinois, Oklahoma, North Carolina, West Virginia, Tennessee, Nebraska and Iowa. And funds were used for everything from scholarships and computer labs to playgrounds and gymnasium renovations.

The 2010 year’s winners will be announced in February. For more information, visit www.uscellular.com/callingallcommunities.

-- Adriana Janovich