Back to School Program

The Back to School Program is a partnership between the Anne Arundel County Department of Social Services (DSS) and Anne Arundel County Public Schools. Those students that are receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance and or Temporary Cash Assistance benefits are the children/students prioritized for the Back to School Program.

For more than 30 years we have assisted elementary school children in low income families start the school year with the necessary supplies to be successful in school. There are over 22,000 children in Anne Arundel County who qualify for Federal Lunch assistance, an indication that the children’s families are low income. In 1989 the Department of Social Services began this program and partnered shortly thereafter with the local Board of Education to help children who attend the County’s public elementary schools.

• Eligible students are referred to the program by school guidance counselors and DSS social workers.
• Donors (individuals, churches, organizations and businesses) are matched with children in need of school supplies and are provided a list of the required supplies. The donors purchase supplies and backpacks and deliver the items to the Office of School Counselor at the elementary schools the 2nd week in August.
• On average, school supplies cost between $50 and $75, depending upon the child’s grade in school. 

• Donation School Supply List 
• Back to School Donation Program Brochure

Donating to Back to School Program 

Donations will be accepted by PayPal or check.