According to Forbes, 95% of public school teachers spent their own money without reimbursement on classroom supplies for their students, According to another study, nearly one-third of parents can’t afford school supplies for their children.
The lack of school supplies in underserved communities is a significant obstacle for student success. Having the appropriate supplies can help students to feel more confident, prepared, and motivated during class.
We’re asking for your help to reverse these trends and make sure our students are prepared for the 2025-2026 school year.
Starting July 7th, we will host a back-to-school supply drive. The drive will support the classrooms of five teachers in Baltimore City Public Schools—including Starr, a sixth and seventh grade science teacher at the Crossroads School and Sophia, a fourth grade math teacher at Maree F. Farring School. Our team will also be present at the schools to assist the teachers with setting up their classrooms.
Some of the most needed supplies include pencils, notebooks, crayons, and folders. If you are shopping for yourself, kids, or grandkids, please consider picking up an extra pack of pencils or crayons, because it will go a long way for these students. Members or anyone in the community that wants to make a difference can contribute supplies in donation boxes found in every branch or order off the Amazon Wishlist [link to wishlist will be added here on July 7th]. All items will be sent to the SECU headquarters, then distributed to schools.
For the supply drive, we are partnering for the first time with Teach For America, a nationwide organization that recruits new teachers to educate for two years in underserved communities. For over 30 years, the organization has improved students’ academic performance, test scores, and made a lasting impact.
This drive supports our ongoing commitment to education and community engagement. Anything truly helps. Even just a pack of pencils can go far for these students and their success in school. We, the students, and teachers appreciate your support of education in Maryland.
