Orlando Community Powers Back-to-School Success for 2025-2026 School Year

Thousands of Central Florida students started the new school year excited and prepared to learn thanks to the overwhelming success of A Gift for Teaching’s “Ready for Back-to-School” initiatives. Throughout the summer, the community came together to provide more than 623,270 school supplies and raise $416,620+ to ensure local students had the tools they needed on day one. 

“Backpacks filled with supplies are more than notebooks and pencils. They are confidence, opportunity, and belonging,” said Jane Thompson, President of A Gift for Teaching.

“This outpouring of support from our community shows our teachers that they are not alone and tells every student: you are seen, you are supported, and your future matters.” 

With more than 70% of public schools in Central Florida considered high-need, these resources also help ease the financial burden on families and teachers who often purchase supplies out of their own pockets. The “Ready for Back-to-School” campaign is powered by several summer initiatives: 

The Great Big Backpack Build, a high-impact corporate team-building event in June, kicked off the community’s giveback efforts with more than 36 teams including Universal Orlando Foundation, the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation, The Joe & Sarah Galloway Foundation, and Duke Energy. More than 500 volunteers gathered at the Orange County Convention Center to assemble 25,000 new backpacks filled with essential supplies.

These backpacks were distributed to more than 140 public schools with the greatest needs across Orange and Osceola counties. From venue space to logistical support, $350,000+ worth of in-kind contributions were provided to allow any additional funds raised go further in providing more resources for students.

The Supply Drive for Success, in July and August, then united even more community businesses, groups, and individuals to collect supplies and raise critical funds. The Top 5 Collecting Drives of 2025 were Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando, AdventHealth, ADP, and NFI Industries.

Together, more than 223,270 supplies were collected and $95,410+ was raised to give students a stronger start to the new school year. This included a special giving opportunity where donations were matched for a limited time to double the impact of donors and deliver even more supplies to local classrooms. Matching funders included The Joe & Sarah Galloway Foundation, The Bond Foundation, Valencia College, and Addition Financial. 

Serving as a lifeline for educators throughout the school year, the mission of A Gift for Teaching doesn’t stop once classes start. Each day, more than $82,480 worth of free educational resources are distributed to help bridge the gap between classroom needs and student success.

Education advocates are invited to keep this momentum going into the second half of the year by becoming a Classroom Hero, a team of dedicated monthly donors. A recurring gift of $25 a month equips three classrooms a year with essential supplies, ensuring students and teachers have the tools and support they need to succeed from the first day of school to the last.

Together, our community is empowering teachers, inspiring students, and creating brighter futures each year with A Gift for Teaching. We are deeply grateful for every gift that makes it possible – thank you!