News: Wentworth Elementary Clinches the Coveted [Final] Spot in the Back 2 School America "Win School Supplies" Annual Contest – Every Student Receives Essential Supplies To Assist Throughout School Year

Media Contact

Chez Ordoñez, Public Relations, Back 2 School America

Members of the media are invited to attend. For on-site information or to arrange interviews, please reach out to the press contact above.


CHICAGO – Nov 1, 2023 Back 2 School America, the Chicago-based nonprofit renowned for its Build-A-Kit program that provides essential school supplies for students in need, ​ announces that D.S. Wentworth Elementary School has been named the final winner of the 'Win School Supplies for an Entire School'. As a part of the contest, the school will be celebrated in an event this coming Friday at 2 p.m. CST where each student will be personally given their kits by members of the Back 2 School America team.

Wentworth Elementary joins an esteemed list of previous winning schools this year, which includes Stone Academy and Jose de Diego. Every student from the winning school has been the beneficiary of a Back 2 School Kit, filled with essential supplies, and that correspond to their grade level.

The ​ Back 2 School America “Win School Supplies for an Entire School” annual contest selects up to three (3) deserving Chicago schools and awards free school supplies for each student – relieving the financial burden of purchasing back-to-school supplies and throughout the year.

 

Back 2 School Kits Given Per Winning School (1,345 Kits in Total)

  • Wentworth Elementary: 356 kits/students
  • Jose de Deigo: 444 kits/students
  • Stone Academy: 545 kits/students
The 'Win School Supplies Contest' is more than just a contest, it's an initiative that unites students and communities, highlights the importance of education, and ensures our young learners are equipped with the tools they need to become leaders.

We're immensely proud of all participating schools and especially extend our heartfelt congratulations to Wentworth Elementary School for their outstanding achievement. ​

-Matthew Kurtzman, CEO, Back 2 School America

Date
This Friday • November 3, 2023

Time
2 p.m. CST

Location
Wentworth Elementary School, Chicago • 1340 West 71st Street, Chicago, IL 60636

 

 

 


Contest Overview

  • Original Contest dates: June 7 – July 24, 2023
  • Nominations can be made online by visiting: B2SA.ORG.

Who Can Nominate a School?

Anyone can nominate a Chicago school, whether they currently reside in the city or not, and there is no limit to how many times a school can be nominated. Whether you are a parent, current or former student, faculty member, education champion, or community leader – you can enter the contest on behalf of a school. 

The more nominations a school receives, the greater its chances of winning!

Why is the Contest Important?

The Back 2 School America works every day to combat critical issues facing many students in need, and their families, nationally and right here in Chicago. The skyrocketing costs of school supplies create a significant financial burden on families, forcing them to make tough choices and, in some cases, even preventing children from having the necessary tools to succeed in school.

Impact on Students and Families

By providing free school supplies to winning schools, Back 2 School America helps to alleviate some of the financial stress on families and ensures that all students have access to essential educational tools. This support can make a significant difference in the lives of students, boosting their self-esteem, and improving their chances of academic success.

Impact on Schools and Communities

The contest also benefits schools and communities by fostering a sense of unity and shared responsibility. Schools that win the contest can experience a surge in morale, as the entire community comes together to celebrate their victory and support the students in need. This spirit of collaboration can have a lasting impact on the school and its surrounding area, helping to build a stronger, more resilient community.

Selection of Winning Schools

The selection process takes into consideration the financial needs of the school, the enthusiasm and commitment of the nominators, and the overall impact that winning the contest would have on the students and the community.

Winning Chicago schools will be selected over the summer and notified this fall. While schools are made aware they’ve won, students are unaware and will be surprised with their Back 2 School Kits at the start of the school year!

 

About Back 2 School America

The Back 2 School program was launched in 2007 to address the pressing needs of communities and the inequities in educational opportunities for children. 

In 2015 the nonprofit changed its name to Back 2 School Illinois (B2SI) to reflect the work of the organization. In the summer of 2018, B2SI expanded and launched Back 2 School America, to provide Back 2 School kits to children across the USA. 

Today, B2SA continues to provide children of low-income households with free school supplies to help level the playing field and lessen the financial burden on their families and their teachers. The Back 2 School program has provided more than 350,000 children with their own school supply kit. The organization’s long-term goal is to make sure that all children in the USA are provided with the school supplies they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond.

Contact

1946 W. Irving Park Road, Floor 2 Chicago, IL 60613

[email protected]

back2schoolamerica.org