Heading to high school or starting college is an exciting time. However, for homeless and foster care youth who have no one to help them purchase school supplies, it can be extremely stressful. The Backpack Challenge is an opportunity for Philadelphia area businesses and residents to help these hard working young people get off to a great start and be successful in school. Our goal is to collect 3,500 backpacks and raise $25,000 this year. 

Through partnership with local businesses, the Backpack Challenge raises funds and collects essential back to school items to support members of the Achieving Independence Center (AIC). The AIC, a collaborative project funded by the Philadelphia Department of Human Services and managed by Valley Youth House, provides the support needed for current and former foster youth to make a successful transition to independence. Over 1,300 young people receive coaching, educational support, career planning, mentoring, life skills training, housing and budgeting help at the AIC each year.

We invite you to be a part of this important program by sponsoring the Backpack Challenge. The Challenge kicks off on July 19^th and closes on August 25^th. You can find the 2016 sponsorship opportunities here; please use this as a guide to select the level of participation that best fits your needs. You can also host a collection site at your place of business. Please contact Valerie Johnson with any questions.