Hundreds of Scottsdale students began the school year with new supplies, clothing, and shoes through the city’s annual Back to School Program. The initiative is designed to help income-eligible pre-K through 12th grade students start classes prepared.
This year’s event provided more than 1,000 students with essentials such as backpacks and school supplies. Students also received free dental screenings, lunch enrollment assistance, library books, and information about 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.
The program relies on support from several community partners 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 and Vista del Camino Community Center.
Beyond this annual event, the City of Scottsdale offers ongoing support for students throughout the year. The Scottsdale Police Department expanded its School Resource Officer program by adding three officers across three school districts. These officers focus on building relationships with students and providing safety education.
In addition to these officers funded by the city’s department—now totaling 13—seven schools receive officer support through Arizona Department of Education’s School Safety Officer program. Three crisis response canines are now available in schools to provide comfort for children experiencing trauma or stress; a fourth canine will join next year.
Scottsdale Parks and Recreation runs after-school programs at six campuses in partnership with Scottsdale Unified School District. More than 360 students participate in these structured activities each day after class ends.
The city’s public libraries hosted thousands of children during a record-setting Summer Reading Challenge. Libraries also partnered with local schools to help deliver summer meals to children in need.
Vista del Camino and Paiute neighborhood centers continue connecting families with food boxes and early education resources aimed at supporting student success both inside and outside classrooms.
Community members can support next year’s Back to School Program by donating supplies at Granite Reef Senior Center through August or making monetary donations via Scottsdale Community Partners. A list of needed items is available on the city’s website by searching “Back to School.”
