Closing the Gap: Five Back-to-School Drives to Support in Upper Manhattan

Equip young scholars in Upper Manhattan with the tools they need to succeed this school season.

By
Brandee Sanders
August 16, 2022

The school supplies gap has disproportionately impacted students and educators in underserved communities and underfunded school districts. The rising costs are putting 1 in 3 parents of school-age children into debt and 93 percent of teachers are digging into their own pockets to pay for classroom necessities.

As back-to-school season approaches, nonprofits in Upper Manhattan are leading efforts to ensure students have the tools needed to thrive when they return to the classroom. We've rounded up a list of local school supplies drives to support throughout the community.

New York State of Mind Back-to-School Drive

June 1 ­­– August 27

Launched in 2009, New York State of Mind (NYSoM) is a nonprofit that has a mission rooted in uplifting underserved communities through outreach programs aimed at combatting food insecurity and homelessness, and empowering youth. Ahead of the back-to-school season, the organization is collecting an array of supplies for youth in need, including backpacks, notebooks, crayons, and calculators. A portion of the donated items will be distributed at the NYSoM Back to School Wonderland in East Harlem on August 27. Learn more.

Graham Windham’s Digital Back-to-School Fundraiser

August 2 – September 6

The 200-year-old nonprofit is leading an online fundraiser to distribute supplies at underfunded schools. Cognizant of the digital divide’s significant impact on low-income families, the organization is collecting tech tools like iPads and laptops, so students aren’t left out of the digital revolution as technology continues to transform education. Graham Windham has been at the forefront of impactful community-centered programs throughout Harlem, the Bronx, and Brooklyn. Learn more.

Madison Avenue Baptist Church’s Virtual Back-to-School Drive Benefitting The Brotherhood Sister Sol

August 8 – August 22

The East Harlem-based place of worship has organized a virtual back-to-school fundraiser benefitting the youth empowerment-focused nonprofit The Brotherhood Sister Sol. Designed to empower Black and Latinx youth to be catalysts for change in their local communities, the organization leads programs that inspire youth to “claim the power of their history, identity, and community to build the future they want to see.” Those interested in supporting the project can purchase school supplies online and the items will be directly delivered to the nonprofit’s doorstep. Learn more.

Columbia Community Service’s Annual 'Back-2-School' Drive

Now through August 20

Columbia Community Service and the Office of Public Safety are teaming up with Harlem’s 26th precinct to equip young scholars in the community with the supplies needed to successfully ease into the school year. Whether you reside in Harlem or the Heights, there are several ways to get involved. Drop-off locations include the Public Safety Crime Prevention Office at the university’s Morningside Heights campus, the Public Safety Operations office on the Manhattanville campus, and the Public Safety Operations office at William Black Medical Research Building at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. The items will be distributed at the 7th Annual Back-2-School community event on August 25. 

Osborne Association's Digital Back-to-School Drive

Now through September 9

The Osborne Association is dedicated to serving individuals, families, and communities impacted by the criminal justice system. To empower children whose families have been affected by incarceration, the nonprofit is hosting its first annual back-to-school drive. The supplies can be purchased through the organization's online wish list and will be distributed to youth in New York City and at Osborne's community sites in Newburgh and Buffalo.