The Challenge of Back to School Costs
For many families, back to school season is an exciting time, but it can also bring significant financial pressure. New clothes, shoes, backpacks, notebooks, and other school supplies can add up quickly. For families already facing financial challenges, providing everything a child needs for the new school year can be difficult.
Did you know families in the U.S. expect to spend an average of $922 on back to school shopping in 2026? Nearly half of parents, 47%, expect to spend more than they did the previous year. Clothing and shoes alone account for an average of $278 per household, with school supplies adding even more to the total.
That can make the start of a new school year especially difficult for families who are already working within a tight budget. No child should have to feel like they are starting the school year without the clothes, supplies, or basic resources they need.
At Georgia Future Leaders, we wanted to help make that burden a little lighter. We wanted to make sure that children in our community had fresh clothes and the school supplies they needed to walk into the new school year feeling prepared and confident.
Helping Kids Walk Into School With Confidence
Having new clothes to wear and the supplies needed for the classroom may seem like a small thing, but for a child, it can make a meaningful difference.
Research also shows that access to basic resources can be associated with students’ learning experiences. In a national survey of school leaders, 21% said students being academically unprepared, including not bringing necessary supplies, had a severe negative impact on learning.
A backpack filled with notebooks, pencils, folders, and other supplies may seem simple. For a child, having what they need on the first day can help them feel prepared, included, and ready to focus on school.
Fresh clothes can make a difference, too. Starting the year feeling comfortable and confident can help children focus on learning, building friendships, participating in class, and working toward their goals rather than worrying about what they do not have.
A little difference can go a long way in the life of a child.
Investing in Our Community and Next Generation
At Georgia Future Leaders, our goal is to support our community and invest in the next generation. Every child deserves the opportunity to start the school year feeling prepared, valued, and supported.
We are grateful to everyone who helped make this effort possible. Community support allows us to reach more children and provide practical resources where they are needed most. When we come together to support our kids, we are helping give them the foundation they need to thrive academically and reach their full potential.
If you’d like to support Georgia Future Leaders, your donation can help us continue doing things like this throughout the year. Every contribution helps us provide resources and opportunities to children in our community. We would love your support and greatly appreciate a donation to help us continue this work.
