The tools of academic success

According to the United Way of Central Indiana, it is estimated that up to 78 % of IPS students start the school year with no or inadequate school supplies, putting the student and the teacher at a disadvantage from the very first day of school. As children prepare to return to school, the need for proper school supplies becomes a critical issue in many families already struggling to meet basic needs. Several of our children start school without the basic tools (pencils, erasers, paper, etc.) essential to their academic success. Many families cannot afford these items, which in turn creates an unnecessary handicap for their children and undo stress at home and in the classrooms.

The Backpack Attack organization is collectively made up of 7 organizations from the Indianapolis area. Bridges to Success, YMCA, the Indianapolis Children’s Museum, IUPUI, Indianapolis Public Schools, UPS, and the United Way of Central Indiana partner for the Backpack Attack school supply drive. Donated school supplies can be dropped off at any of these organizations or you can start your own supply drive.

Did you know?

• 70% of the families in the Indianapolis Public School System can’t afford basic school supplies.
• Many IPS teachers spend their own money to purchase these supplies for their students
• The BackPack Attack has collected and distributed over 1.7 million school supplies since 1999.

Our goals for 2008

• 425,000 school supplies will be collected through 275 businesses and organizations in Central Indiana
• *20,000 children in the Indianapolis Public Schools will receive supplies to start their academic year
• 100% of these school supplies will be distributed to children that need them