Backpacks for Our Students

Every year, as the start of the school year approaches, nonprofit and community-based organizations organize back-to-school fairs and backpack giveaways for students throughout San Francisco. These events are a great way to make sure that every student has the supplies they need for a successful school year, and provide a place where students and their families can learn about resources that they can use throughout the year.

Since I served as Executive Director of the African American Art and Culture Complex, and as Supervisor for District 5, I’ve helped give out backpacks to students in the Western Addition. This year, I’m so excited to be able to attend backpack giveaways all over our City. Every student should be able to start the school year with the supplies they need, and shouldn’t feel left out if their family is unable to afford a new backpack, notebooks, and pencils.

These backpack giveaways are a perfect example of how we can work together to make our City more equitable. By providing every student with a quality education, and the materials they need for class and to do their homework, we can help students from all backgrounds learn and thrive. As a kid growing up in public housing, I didn’t always get show up at the first day of school with a new backpack full of supplies. Having the school supplies I needed would have made me feel more prepared and ready to learn. Even still, I cared about school and studied — and education opened up so many doors for me. I want every kid in this City to know that education will open up doors for them, and to feel confident walking into their classroom on Monday, August 19.

This year, there are so many wonderful organizations providing backpacks for students and hosting back-to-school fairs throughout San Francisco. In partnership with several organizations, we’ve committed to providing 5,000 backpacks for students in San Francisco. Thanks to the Office of Housing and Community Development, Salvation Army, United Playaz, HOPE SF, the Boys and Girls Club of San Francisco, Mission Economic Development Association, Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation, and Collective Impact for supporting this great program.

Students should feel excited and prepared for the new school year. This is one small but important step toward making that happen.