10 Ways to Serve Your Community During Back to School

Back to school is an exciting time, but not every student starts the year with the resources and support they need. Across the U.S. and around the world, many face barriers like the cost of supplies, under-resourced schools, or lack of food to fuel their learning.

This season, you can make a difference. Here are 10 ways to serve your community during Back to School that anyone can take on to help make their community a better place for students. Each is inspired by the service work buildOn students do every week across the United States!

1. Host a school supply or clothing drive

Collect backpacks, notebooks, uniforms, shoes, and gently used clothing. Partner with a local school or community center to get supplies into the hands of students who need them most. buildOn students frequently help collect and process donated school supplies and clothing for those in need in their communities.

2. Volunteer at a local school or after-school program

Lend a hand with tutoring, supply distribution, or classroom prep. A few hours of your time can set students and teachers up for success. buildOn’s after-school programs have been a massive help to students over the years, giving them a positive space to go to after classes end.

3. Launch an awareness or advocacy campaign 

Use your voice to raise awareness and rally others to take action for education access. Host an event, share stories, and invite others to give or volunteer. buildOn students frequently take part in advocacy events, from attending protests and marches to writing letters to their elected officials.

4. Set up a little free library or reading nook

Create a welcoming spot where students can take and share books. Encouraging literacy builds confidence and opens doors for young learners. buildOn students love taking part in book drives and making sure their younger neighbors have plenty of books to read.

5. Organize a back-to-school beautification day

Gather volunteers to paint playground lines, plant flowers, clean up schoolyards, or freshen up classrooms. A bright, welcoming space can inspire learning from day one. Refreshing spaces is a classic buildOn service project—from painting lockers to sprucing up school gardens.

6. Host a study session or homework club

Open your home, library, or community center for weekly study sessions. Offer snacks, encouragement, and a quiet place to focus. You could even tie this to some tutoring sessions as well!

7. Provide mentorship or tutoring

Share your skills and experiences, whether it’s reading, math, tech basics, or art. Mentorship builds confidence and connection. buildOn students frequently tutor younger students in their community, like at P.S. 35 in the Bronx. They provide help with studies but also serve as crucial role models for the children. 

8. Serve at a local soup kitchen

You’d be surprised how many parents in your community struggle to provide brain food to their children. Do your part by volunteering with a local soup kitchen or food bank to make sure no student goes hungry this fall!

buildOn students frequently serve food to their communities at soup kitchens and food pantries. By providing their neighbors with food, they not only fill empty stomachs, but break down barriers between community members as well.

9. Clean up areas around local schools

Gather friends, family, or neighbors to pick up litter or clear overgrown walkways near school grounds. A clean, welcoming environment helps students feel safe and proud of where they learn. buildOn students are always lending a hand to clean up in their neighborhoods, like at beach cleanups in Chicago and Boston and park beautification services in the Bronx and Detroit.

10. Donate to buildOn

We’re raising funds to remove barriers to education for students in under-resourced U.S. neighborhoods and economically developing countries so that everyone can get back to school this year. 

Can we count on you to support our work?