Empowering Our Youth: The Importance of Being School-Ready
Phoenix, AZ., July 8, 2024.- As the new school year approaches, the excitement of fresh beginnings and new opportunities fills the air. For many of the youth in our programs, this time of year can also bring a sense of anxiety and uncertainty. Ensuring that every student has the essential supplies needed to succeed is crucial, and that’s where we, as a community, can make a significant difference.
According to Teach for America, the cost of the school supplies can be as high as $1,200 per year for middle school supplies, extracurricular fees, and technology. On average, parents expected to spend on back-to-school items on average $257 on their children’s back-to-school clothing and accessories, according to Statista. This might include supplies, uniforms or clothes, and items related to technology such as calculators or computers.
Having the right tools and resources for school greatly impacts a student’s ability to perform academically and socially. Imagine walking into class without the necessary textbooks, notebooks, or even a backpack to carry your supplies. This lack of preparation can lead to feelings of inadequacy, lower self-esteem, and ultimately, lower academic performance. For teenagers, this impact is even more pronounced as they navigate the critical years of their education, and their personal and social development.
At New Pathways for Youth, we are dedicated to empowering our students to reach their full potential. We understand that being equipped with the right supplies is more than just a logistical need—it’s a foundational aspect of building confidence, ensuring engagement in the classroom, and fostering a positive educational experience.
Join Our Back-to-School Backpack Drive!
We are thrilled to announce our Back-to-School Backpack Drive, and we invite you to join us in making a tangible impact on the lives of our youth. By donating or contributing to this event, you are helping us provide the essential supplies that every student needs to start the school year on the right foot.
Our goal is to put together at least 200 backpacks with supplies to serve at least 50% of the youth enrolled in our program. Our youth will have the chance to pick up their backpacks during one of the monthly Power Ups scheduled for July and early August.
How to Participate:
We encourage donors, altruists and organizations in the Phoenix Valley to come together and contribute to this cause. Whether you donate backpacks, school supplies, or your time, every bit helps. To ensure we have enough resources ready for all our students, please drop a quick note to Nick Jensen, our Philanthropy Manager.
You can simplify your participation by contributing to our wish-list registries on marketplaces like Amazon or Target. We are specifically seeking personal hygiene and school items that also serve as stress management and mental health tools, such as adult coloring books.
The Impact of Your Contribution
Your generosity goes beyond providing school supplies; it gives our students the confidence to engage fully in their education, the tools to perform academically, and the reassurance that their community stands behind them. Each backpack filled with supplies is a step towards leveling the playing field and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background.
Thank you for considering a donation and for your continued support of New Pathways for Youth. Let’s make this school year the best one yet for all our students!