Serving Students in Need

Since 1986, CCSC has delivered resources to low-income students through our Back To School program. Students from pre-K through 12^th Grade receive grade-appropriate school supplies and a clothing/shoe gift card or voucher so they can confidently begin the academic year on equal footing with their more advantaged peers.

Community donors and volunteers play important roles in Back To School from sponsoring a child to packaging academic materials and assisting clients during the supply distribution process. The program has grown from aiding 520 students in its first year to 6,500 annually. The program structure has also evolved to withstand hurricane disruptions, delayed school openings and a worldwide health pandemic.

In a typical year, the Back To School delivery model consists of a community event and school partnerships. Eligible families within CCSC’s 33-zip code region register in early May and are given an invitation to the community event in August. Volunteers assemble supply packages in late July and assist clients with picking up school supplies, clothing vouchers and, when available, bonus items at the community event. CCSC school partnerships involve a select number of high-needs campuses delivering academic supplies and clothing/uniform vouchers directly to students. In 2020, because of the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Back To School delivery model changed and students were served through expanded school partnerships.

Then in 2021, the community event was restructured as a drive-thru format allowing families to safely pick up school supplies, vouchers and a backpack. A limited number of volunteers registered in advance and helped in all phases of the program.

In 2022, CCSC successfully returned to an in-person service format.

We invite you to support the Back To School program. It costs only $50 to provide a child with a comprehensive supply packet and a clothing/shoe voucher. Donations in any amount are appreciated. CCSC purchases all school supplies in bulk for the greatest savings.

Thanks to the generosity of community donors and volunteers, the Back To School program continues to fulfill a need and prepare students for a successful academic year.

For more information regarding Back To School, contact the Youth Services Manager at 713-961-3993 ext. 326 or seasonal@ccschouston.org.