Tzedek DC’s mission is to safeguard the legal rights and financial health of DC residents facing debt-related problems. DMV agencies and community organizations have planned a series of back-to-school events from August to September and are inviting students, families, and educators to participate. These events provide financial, supplies, and information-related support to families gearing up for the return to school.
Make sure to mark your calendars!
DYRS Back to School Celebration
Join the Department of Human Services Youth Services Division for a DYRS Back to School Celebration that is free for all ages. The event will include free giveaways, food, free school supplies, live DJs, a game truck, ice cream, a bounce house, 360 camera, free haircuts, and games and prizes. For more information, contact Quyen Nguyen at quyen.nguyen@dc.gov.
When: Wednesday, August 16, 12 pm – 4 pm
Where: The ARC (1901 Mississippi Ave SE, Washington, DC 20020)
DCPS Back-to-School Information Session
Join Chancellor Ferebee and DC Public Schools leadership for a webinar to learn important updates on the coming school year. Topics include student health, safety, academics, early childhood, attendance, and more!
When: Wednesday, August 16, 6 pm – 7 pm
Where: Virtual
Multilingual Learner Institute
The Office of the State Superintendent of Education invites District educators to attend this annual event to learn and share best practices for supporting multilingual learners. Registration is required to attend.
When: Thursday, August 17, 8:30 am – 3:30 pm
Where: Kellogg Conference Center at Gallaudet University (800 Florida Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002)
Public Safety Back-to-School Event
Join the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice for the 6th annual back-to-school event featuring a book bag and school supplies giveaway, food, games, and more.
When: Thursday, August 17, 2 pm – 7 pm
Where: Columbia Heights Educational Campus (3101 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20010)
9th Annual Chuck Brown Day
Chuck Brown Day commemorates the life legacy and music of DC legend and the Godfather of Go-Go, Chuck Brown. Every year, the celebration features musical performances by the Chuck Brown Band and others. The Chuck Brown Foundation will be giving out free backpacks for the kids. This year’s Chuck Brown Day will be bigger, better, and more cranking.
When: Saturday, August 19, 2 pm – 7 pm
Where: Fort DuPont Park (Minnesota Ave SE, Washington, DC 20019)
Community and Resource Day
Join the Community Crisis Services, Inc. and Christian Life Center along with their partners for free groceries, community resources, and school supplies.
When: Saturday, August 19, 11 am – 2 pm
Where: Tanglewood Park (rear side of Fletchers Field, 5567 Tanglewood Dr, Riverdale, MD 20737)
Back-to-School Drive & Jacob’s Ladder Technology Center Grand Opening
300 backpacks with school supplies and non-perishable food items will be given out by the Jacob's Ladder Youth Foundation, with refreshments from Dunkin’ Donuts.
When: Saturday, August 19, 12 pm – when supplies last
Where: 11418 Livingston Rd, Fort Washington, MD 20744
Back 2 School Supply Drive
The 9th annual school supply drive is being presented by DMV Road 2 Success.
When: Saturday, August 19, 1:30 pm – while supplies last
Where: Look Fabulous Unisex Hair Salon (2203 Minnesota Ave SE, Washington, DC 20020)
To qualify, the child must be present and accompanied by an adult
7th Mega Health Fair
Join Redeemers Church of Christ and American Diversity Group for back-to-school giveaways, free food, and free screenings for cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, EKG, eye exams, mammogram, mental health, pain management, weight management, and dental. For more details, call (240) 929-6185 or email info@redeemerschapel.org.
When: Saturday, August 19, 10 am – 2 pm
Where: Redeemers Church of Christ (10001 Aerospace Rd, Lanham, MD 20706)
Ward 8 Back 2 School Backpack Giveaway & Family Fun Day
Join Councilmember Trayvon White for a fun-filled day of activities such as moon bouncing, haircuts and styling, face painting, concessions, food, and arts and crafts. For more information, call (202) 724-8045 or email jjessie@dccouncil.gov.
When: Saturday, August 19, 12 pm – 4 pm
Where: Gateway Pavilion DC (2700 MLK Jr Ave SE, Washington, DC 20032)
Register to attend (Must show proof of Ward 8 residency to attend)
5th Annual Free School Supplies Giveaway
Join the Rock for Life Foundation's annual school supply giveaway in honor of Sterling "Rocky" Parker II. Contact Ms. Dhyana Parker at (240) 719-1644 or rockforlife@yahoo.com for details.
When: Saturday, August 19, 12 pm – 3 pm (or until supplies last)
Where: Iverson Mall (3737 Branch Ave, Temple Hills, MD 20748)
Missionary Ministry Annual Drive Thru Backpack Giveaway
Join First Baptist Church of Highland Park's backpack giveaway event for students from Pre-K to college. Students must be present in the car to be eligible.
When: Saturday, August 19, 11 am – 1 pm
Where: First Baptist Church of Highland Park (6801 Sheriff Rd, Landover, MD 20785)
Back-to-School Giveaway
Join Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative for a half-day event with free food, health exams, games, music, raffles for new balance shoes, and community resources. For more information, reach out to the event host via (202) 889-1425, @Farsecollab, or www.fsfsc.org.
When: Wednesday, August 23, 1 pm – 5 pm
Where: Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative (4301 9th St SE, Washington, DC 20032)
End of Summer Back-to-School Event
Join the Department of Parks and Recreation for getting ready for another successful school year, with a giveaway of school supplies, amusements, refreshments, music, and more.
When: Thursday, August 24, 12 pm – 4 pm
Where: Ridge Road Community Center (830 Ridge Rd SE, Washington, DC 20019)
Back 2 School Event with DYRS
Meet with DYRS staff, community agencies, and local schools to enroll in the upcoming school year and build a support network. The event will include free backpacks, school supplies, hygiene items, school uniforms, haircuts, resources, food, and games. To learn more, contact the program manager Janay Williams by email at janay.williams2@dc.gov or by phone at (202) 330-2370.
When: Friday, August 25, 12 pm – 5 pm
Where: The Fields at RFK Campus, Pavilion A&B (401 Oklahoma Ave NE, Washington, DC 20019)
Soles4scholars School Drive
Join Bullard Academy for free school supplies, food, moon bounce games and much more. During the back-to-school celebration, students accompanied by an adult will receive one pair of shoes each. For further details, please send a direct message or an email to bullardacademyinc@gmail.com.
When: Friday, August 25, 5 pm – 8 pm
Where: Landover Police Station (7600 Barlowe Rd Landover, MD 20785)
Ward 6 #WeKeepUsSafe Back to School Bash
Join Serve Your City DC and Ward 6 Mutual Aid Back for the new school year kickoff event! Get a backpack filled with supplies and a digital device. Register for tutoring and youth programs, get help with school paperwork, and get vaccinated. Lots of resources are available, so don't miss it!
When: Saturday, August 26, 11 am – 4 pm
Where: Eastern Market Metro Plaza (701 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003)
Request backpack (backpacks must be requested in advance)
Back-to-School Backpack Drive with Free Kids Haircuts
Join the Alpha Sigma Chapter's Back to School Backpack Drive & Block Party. Get free book bags, school supplies, haircuts, food, and music.
When: Saturday, August 26, 11 am – 1 pm
Where: 5100 Block of Brooks & Blaine St NE, Washington, DC 20019
Register to attend (must register in Eventbrite in order to get a book bag or haircut, and child must be present to receive backpack)
Annual Community Day Health and Wellness Fair 2023
The DC Health Places of Worship Advisory Board, in partnership with Valley Avenue, is excited to present the 7th Annual Community Day Health and Wellness Fair. This Fair will provide community members with lots of free opportunities for food, friends, and fun, as well as free school supplies, vaccinations, and dental exams for children.
When: Saturday, August 26, 2 pm – 6 pm
Where: Oxon Run Park (1200 Mississippi Ave SE, Washington, DC 20032)
Shepherd Park Welcome Back Party
Join the Department of Parks and Recreation for a welcome back to school party for community members.
When: Wednesday, September 27, 3:30 pm – 6 pm
Where: Shepherd Park Community Center (7800 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20012)
Afterschool in the City 2023
Join Deputy Mayor for Education’s Out of School Time Office, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations, and other partners for the opportunity to hear about various opportunity available for youth during the school year.
When: Saturday, September 9, 11 am – 2 pm
Where: Turkey Thicket Recreation Center (1100 Michigan Ave NE, Washington, DC 20017)
DCPS Back-to-School Block Party
Join the DC Public Schools community for a DCPS Back to School Block Party. The event will include free food and fun activities, the ability to learn more about city resources, and will include student performances to celebrate the start of a new school year with families and neighbors.
When: Saturday, September 23, 11 am – 2 pm
Where: McKinley Tech High School (151 T St NE, Washington, DC 20002)
To stay informed about upcoming events pertaining to your child's school community or additional uniform assistance, it's recommended that you reach out to your child's school.