Every year, our community comes together to ensure kids from 4K through college have the tools they need to start school ready to learn by supporting the WayForward Resources Back to School program. This annual program provides backpacks and school supplies to more than 550 students, allowing them to focus on what matters most—learning.

“With the rising cost of everyday necessities, the Back to School program has been a tremendous relief for families in our community,” shared Stephanie Vidrio-Garcia, Intervention Case Manager at WayForward Resources. “I have been told by various families that this program takes away the stress of wondering how they will afford school supplies for their children and gives peace of mind knowing their children can start the school year with the essentials needed to succeed. I believe every child deserves to feel prepared and confident on their first day of school, and Back to School makes that a possibility.”

Amy Poole, Families in Transition Coordinator for Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District, remarked, “I think about many of the students that we serve. One of the families that I work with shared this with me: ‘My kid was excited to start school but quietly worried because they didn’t have a backpack or the supplies on their class list. Receiving a new backpack filled with everything they needed changed that experience. Instead of feeling different from their classmates, they walked into school feeling prepared and confident.’ While it’s a simple gesture, having the right supplies can reduce stress for families, boost a student’s self-esteem, and help them focus on learning from day one.”

Sarah Estrella, School Social Worker at Glacier Creek Middle School, echoed this sentiment. “The Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District School Social Workers are grateful for the Wayforward Resources’ Back to School program as it provides many students with the school supplies needed to support their success in school,” she said.

This community effort would not happen without the financial support and supply donations from individuals, organizations, and businesses, the work of dedicated volunteers, and the distribution day location hosted by St. Luke’s Lutheran Church. Jill Bradshaw, Community Engagement Manager at WayForward Resources, expressed, “I have been coordinating our Back to School program since 2021. Every year, I am so inspired by the incredible generosity of our community, whose donations make it possible for our local students to choose from an amazing variety of backpacks—filled with new school supplies—to find the one that’s perfect for them.”

Applications to receive backpacks and school supplies through the Back to School program close on August 3. To learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply, call (608) 836-7338. Donations of NEW backpacks and school supplies can be dropped off now through August 12, at the WayForward Resources Distribution Center, Monday–Friday, 9 am to 4 pm.

To see the backpack buying guide, school supply list, Amazon wishlist, how to coordinate a supply drive, or to donate funds, visit our Back to School page.