CHARLOTTE — School is back in session and The David and Nicole Tepper Foundation—along with the Carolina Panthers—has collaborated with Classroom Central to send 35,000 local students back to the classroom equipped for the new year.
On Friday, DNTF and the Carolina Panthers together with Classroom Central hosted more than 700 volunteers from 25 organizations at Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, for the 3rd Annual Backpack Build. The afternoon saw volunteers assemble backpacks filled with core school supplies to support students who lack access to the necessary school supplies for the new academic year.
Assembled backpacks will be distributed across local schools, particularly those with the highest concentrations of students in need. Schools where every student is enrolled in the free and reduced school lunch program will be targeted, ensuring that the resources reach the children who need them most.
"Dave and I are deeply committed to the belief that every child deserves access to a quality education and the essential tools for learning, no matter their circumstances," said Nicole Tepper. "Education is a core pillar of our work at DNTF and we are immensely proud to continue our support of Classroom Central again this year. Investing in our students is an investment in the future of our community, and we are thrilled to do this alongside other great Charlotte businesses."
Tepper, who has been a strong advocate for this initiative and participated in each of the last two backpack build event, was set to be on hand for the backpack build, but unfortunately was unable to make the trip due to Tropical Storm Debby's path up the East Coast.
"While our community faces a variety of significant and complex issues, providing school supplies is a need we can address right now," said Karen Calder, Executive Director of Classroom Central. "We are committed to meeting this tangible need for our kids."
Over the past two years, there has been a 26 percent increase in schools and teachers seeking resource assistance. Classroom Central is committed to addressing this critical and growing need in the Charlotte community.
Classroom Central's impact extends far beyond providing pencils and paper. Educators who receive free supplies and resources from Classroom Central play a crucial role in ensuring that students have the core tools needed to participate effectively in class. A lack of resources can lead to rippling effects and challenges for students, such as reduced classroom engagement and concept fluency, which in turn can cause students to fall behind.
Classroom Central believes that every child has vivid dreams for their future and that education is the key to achieving those dreams. By supplying essential backpacks filled with basic school supplies, Classroom Central aims to interrupt the cycle that erodes students' confidence in achieving those dreams when they face academic struggles due to concerns of accessibility.
These backpacks empower local children by ensuring they have the tools needed to engage fully in their education, thereby fostering a belief that their aspirations—from early crayon drawings to successful careers—are within reach.
Overall, 35,000 students will benefit from the distribution of school supplies valued at more than $1,172,150 before the start of the academic year. The Panthers organization will help distribute the backpacks around the community, beginning next week at Tyger River Elementary School, hosting a Pep Rally and providing backpacks for 400 students in Spartanburg County, South Carolina.
Classroom Central's impact extends far beyond providing pencils and paper. Educators who receive free supplies and resources from Classroom Central play a crucial role in ensuring that students have the core tools needed to participate effectively in class. A lack of resources can lead to rippling effects and challenges for students, such as reduced classroom engagement and concept fluency, which in turn can cause students to fall behind.
Classroom Central believes that every child has vivid dreams for their future and that education is the key to achieving those dreams. By supplying essential backpacks filled with basic school supplies, Classroom Central aims to interrupt the cycle that erodes students' confidence in achieving those dreams when they face academic struggles due to concerns of accessibility.
