Boynton Beach, Fla. (August 15, 2022) – The Education Foundation of Palm Beach County has completed its fourth Backpack and School Supply Drive! With the help of community members, organizations, and local businesses, the drive raised more than $200,000 to benefit 27 Title 1 designated schools. Last year’s efforts provided more than 7,500 students with backpacks and supplies, while this year’s endeavor has increased distribution to 16,417 backpacks!
Each summer, the Education Foundation collaborates with community partners to ensure that students will begin the year equipped with essential supplies. The drive was launched in partnership with the Education Foundation’s Red Apple Supplies program, a free, educational school supply store. Since its inception in 2019, the campaign has served more than 33,000 students, teachers, and families in Palm Beach County Title 1 schools.
“We envision a future where every student starts their first day of school with the supplies and support they need to succeed,” said Teresa Dabrowski, chief engagement officer at the Education Foundation. “By providing these supplies for students and teachers alike, we are creating environments where teachers can focus on teaching, and learners have equal opportunity to learn. It’s more than just a backpack. For a student who cannot otherwise obtain school supplies, this backpack carries equity of access, opportunity, and dignity, along with the pencils and notebooks.”
Red Apple Supplies distributed more than $1.4 million in supplies last year. An Education Foundation survey revealed that local teachers spent an average of $875 annually on school supplies for high-needs students prior to partnering with the Education Foundation. Research also shows that when students are equipped with the right tools, they flourish. Teachers have reported several positive impacts of the program:
• 90.26% of students learned in a more equitable classroom environment
• 79.22% of students displayed improved behavior in the classroom
• 64.29% earned better grades
“The students’ self-esteems rise and they become more excited about school and learning. Equal opportunities in education can change the trajectory of lives, and this school year, students’ needs will be greater than ever,” Dabrowski explained. “We’re leveling the playing field and making a difference one student, one classroom, and one school at a time. And we wouldn’t be able to achieve our mission without everyone’s enduring generosity.”
The drive’s sponsors included Aerojet Rocketdyne, B & I Contractors, Brooke Jackman Foundation, Gunster, Jezerinac Group, Jewish Volunteer Center, LexisNexis Risk Solutions, NCCI Holdings, Office Depot, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, Pratt & Whitney, Proctor Construction, Simply Healthcare, Sympatico Real Estate, The Honda Classic, Truist, U.S. Sugar, Verdex Construction, and Vertical Bridge.
The need for school supplies continues throughout the year. Businesses and community members are encouraged to remain involved in the following ways:
• Text 2022Backpacks to 71777.
• Make a donation here.
• Purchase items on the Amazon Wish List.
About Education Foundation of Palm Beach County
The Education Foundation of Palm Beach County is the nexus of the public school system, the private sector, and the community. Established in 1984 by local business leaders, the Education Foundation serves as the philanthropic support organization for K-12 public education. The organization partners closely with the public school district and the greater business and charitable communities to fund programs that close achievement gaps in learning and creates positive, measurable change for students. The Education Foundation facilitates student achievement by supporting high-quality public education through partnerships, grants, events, and public awareness.
