ROSEVILLE, Minn., Aug. 27, 2024 — The Kids In Need Foundation (KINF) is making a significant impact this back-to-school season by proving that providing essential school supplies can advance education equity. In a nation grappling with educational disparities, KINF’s initiatives are demonstrating how practical solutions can transform students’ learning experiences and future opportunities.
Basic supplies like pencils and notebooks might seem minor, but their impact is substantial. A survey of over 70,000 teachers nationwide by KINF reveals that having the right supplies not only enhances classroom performance but also ignites creativity, boosts confidence, and fosters a genuine interest in learning.
An elementary school teacher in Ohio noted, “Thanks to Kids In Need Foundation, I can provide materials for my students, leveling the playing field. This has reduced bullying, improved self-confidence, and helped students focus on their work.”
KINF stands out as the only national nonprofit dedicated to supporting the most under-resourced schools, particularly those where at least 70% of students qualify for free or reduced-cost meals through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
Last year, teachers in these schools reported that 60% of students arrived without necessary supplies on the first day, and 70% lacked supplies for the second semester. Dana Larson, VP of Mission Impact and Experience at KINF, explained, “When families are struggling to make ends meet, buying school supplies often becomes a low priority, leaving many students without the tools they need to engage in their education.”
A July survey by U.S. News & World Report found that back-to-school shopping costs have increased significantly, straining many American families. Nearly 73% of caregivers for kindergarten through high school students reported higher costs, and 43% are unsure how they will cover these expenses. Many teachers, facing stagnant salaries and rising costs, spend between $500 and $750 of their own money annually on classroom supplies. With inflation causing a nearly 24% rise in the cost of supplies over the past two years, these out-of-pocket expenses are becoming increasingly burdensome.
Michael Houston, a mathematics teacher at Saint Paul Harding High School and the 2023 Minnesota Teacher of the Year, shared, “Our district allocates just $1,500 for the math department, which must cover 14 teachers and 36 students per class. The budget doesn’t go far, and with only a $300 tax write-off for classroom expenses, the cost of supplies adds up quickly. I am deeply grateful to the Kids In Need Foundation for providing the essential supplies our students’ families cannot afford.”
As socio-economic challenges grow, KINF is experiencing its busiest season yet. Thanks to generous support from corporate partners like Toyota, Burger King Foundation, Chipotle, 3M, Freddy’s, Five Below, Shane Co., Ecolab, Corebridge Financial, Jewelers Mutual, Gifts for Good, Medtronic, Shurtape, Yoobi, Dixon Ticonderoga, Staedtler, Clever Crazes, and Pilot Pen, KINF is distributing essential supplies to over 2.5 million students and supporting more than 99,000 teachers this back-to-school season.
KINF has also introduced a new initiative, RISE: Rural and Indigenous School Equity, to address the opportunity gap in rural and Indigenous communities. This program aims to identify and alleviate barriers to learning unique to these areas.
Corey Gordon, CEO of KINF, emphasized, “Lack of basic supplies creates a barrier to learning that neither teachers nor students should have to face. By removing this burden, we create equity in learning environments, allowing teachers to provide better educational experiences and students to reach their full potential.”
The focus on educational equity goes beyond statistics, addressing the social-emotional aspects of learning that shape students’ futures and teachers’ professional lives. A student beneficiary captured this sentiment: “Having the right tools gives me the confidence to succeed. I feel prepared to do my best in school.” This underscores KINF’s tagline: It’s more than just a backpack.