Hundreds of Scottsdale students headed back to class this fall with new supplies, clothing and shoes thanks to the city’s annual Back to School Program, which helps income-eligible pre-K through 12th graders start the year prepared and confident.

The event provided more than 1,000 students with essentials, plus free dental screenings, lunch enrollment, library books and connections to city resources.

“The impact we make by giving students the essentials such as shoes, school supplies and backpacks is incredible, and we are happy to be part of their great start to the new school year,” said Julia Bautista, human services representative.

Several community partners make this event possible, including:

• First Things First
• NOAH
• Partners for Paiute
• Scottsdale Fire Department
• Scottsdale Public Library
• Scottsdale Parks and Recreation Youth Development
• Scottsdale Unified School District
• Scottsdale Water
• Share the Spirit
• Skechers
• Vista del Camino Community Center

While the Back to School Program is one of Scottsdale’s most visible efforts, the city provides ongoing support to students and schools in many other ways – in and outside the classroom.

The Scottsdale Police Department enhanced its School Resource Officer program this year, adding three more officers to campuses across three school districts to build relationships, provide safety education and respond to issues before they escalate.

In addition to the department’s 13 school resource officers, seven Scottsdale schools receive officer support through the Arizona Department of Education’s School Safety Officer program.

Three Scottsdale Police crisis response canines now serve students in schools, offering comfort and reducing stress for kids experiencing trauma or difficult situations. An additional canine will join the team next school year.

Scottsdale Parks and Recreation provides after-school programs for more than 360 students across six Scottsdale Unified School District campuses, giving children safe, structured, and low-cost opportunities to learn and play once the school day ends.

Scottsdale Public Library just concluded a very busy summer during which thousands of children were part of a record setting Summer Reading Challenge. Scottsdale libraries also partnered with Scottsdale Unified School District to support the district’s summer meal program.  

Programs at Vista del Camino and Paiute neighborhood centers connect families with food boxes, early education resources and other support to help students thrive inside and outside the classroom.

How to get involved

Support next year’s Back to School Program by donating school supplies to Granite Reef Senior Center, 1700 N. Granite Reef Road, through the end of August. Monetary donations can be made through Scottsdale Community Partners, a nonprofit that assists Human Services programs. For a full list of items needed, visit ScottsdaleAZ.gov and search “Back to School.”