| Description |
Having identified the inequities of the achievement gap that exist in Title 1 schools, the Backpack 2 School program's mission is to make a positive impact in the lives of youth, families and educators in uniting community support to (1) excite kids about starting the school year and their education with a carnival; (2) relieve financial pressures on parents and teachers by providing each student with necessary school supplies; (3) assist the schools with registration for increased preparedness; and (4) encourage community members to take an active investment in the well-being of their neighborhood. Developed in Tucson, Arizona over the last five years, Salt Lake City, Utah's first annual event premiered in August 2009 at Mountain View Elementary School. The project was a success on each level, and with the creation of the Backpack 2 School Project Manual, it may continue to be hosted, coordinated and carried to completion in Salt Lake County as well as other locations across the United States. |
