By: Allison Basco
As familiar commercials for pencils, binders, and fresh clothes roll across screens, it is a clear reminder that summer is winding down and a new school year is right around the corner. Beyond buying supplies, the transition back to the classroom relies heavily on nonprofits that uplift young people, foster inclusive learning spaces, and provide critical mentorship.
To make a lasting impact, leading corporations are teaming up with youth-focused nonprofits to ensure students have the tools, guidance, and resources they need to thrive. Here is how two standout cause partnership campaigns are making a real difference this year:
Skechers & AdoptAClassroom.org: Equipping Classrooms & Athletics
From June 1 to July 31, Skechers invited store customers nationwide to participate in a register round-up campaign to support AdoptAClassroom.org.
- June Focus: Checkout donations directly sustained quality athletics programs in high-needs schools, helping student-athletes access equipment and gear.
- July Focus: Funds shifted toward expanding access to everyday learning materials through AdoptAClassroom.org’s Inclusive Classroom Fund. This fund delivers grants to teachers seeking specialized support for special education, English language learners, and students from socially marginalized backgrounds.
- Total Impact: Since 2021, Skechers and its generous customers have raised over $500,000 to advance AdoptAClassroom.org’s mission of keeping classrooms fully equipped.
Macy’s & Big Brothers Big Sisters of America: Fueling Mentorship
Macy’s has partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBS) since 2022, raising more than $17.2 million to support over 400,000 mentoring connections. This back-to-school season, the retailer and mentorship organization are focused on sparking togetherness and helping students feel supported both inside and outside the classroom.
- Campaign Window: From July 14 through August 31, Macy’s shoppers can round up their in-store purchases or donate directly online at macys.com.
- Direct Benefit: 100% of all customer donations go toward creating and sustaining one-to-one mentorship relationships that empower young people to reach their full potential.
Academy Sports + Outdoors, French Toast & BEAR: Boosting Confidence in the Classroom
Retailer Academy Sports + Outdoors teamed up with school wear brand French Toast to support BE A Resource (BEAR), a Houston-area nonprofit dedicated to helping children in crisis.
- In-Person Experience: Hundreds of Academy team members volunteered alongside local students, guiding them as they picked out school uniforms, clothing, and their favorite sports balls to build confidence for the upcoming school year.
- Direct Benefit: Together, Academy and French Toast equipped 1,000 students with school essentials, supported by more than $50,000 in in-kind product donations to BEAR’s Back to School Program.
Old Navy & Boys & Girls Clubs of America: Bridging the Opportunity Gap
Building on a partnership spanning over 30 years, Old Navy paired up with Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) and Boys & Girls Clubs of Canada to empower youth through mentorship, career opportunities, and workforce development.
- Campaign Blitz: During a five-day drive from July 9 to July 13, Old Navy offered customers a $5 coupon off a future $35+ purchase when they donated $5 to the cause.
- Total Impact: Old Navy employees and customers raised $1.35 million in just five days, directly helping bridge the opportunity gap for youth across both the U.S. and Canada.
Small Change, Big Impact
These partnerships demonstrate that supporting the next generation does not require a massive individual effort. A few cents rounded up at checkout quickly aggregates into millions of dollars in educational funding and life-changing mentorship programs.
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