As the upcoming 2021-22 school year approaches, the Broward Education Foundation wants to ensure every student and teacher in the county is equipped with the necessary supplies to succeed. The 501(c)3 charitable organization will host its annual school supply drive with BEFdrive.com to help provide the required resources and tools.

“Basic school supplies are always in demand, but even more so now,” says Shea Ciriago, executive director of Broward Education Foundation. “It’s vital we do everything in our power to provide students with the tools they need to stay engaged and focused. We are so appreciative of all the individuals and local businesses who step up each and every year to support our resilient students who are so eager to learn.”

With three out of four students beginning school years without the necessary school supplies, according to 90% of teachers surveyed by the national nonprofit Kids in Need Foundation, the Broward Education Foundation aims to lessen that gap in Broward County where over 200,000 students qualify for the National School Lunch Program, which provides students free or discounted meals.

“Broward Education Foundation remains incredibly responsive to the shifting needs in education within our community,” says Tim Curtin, board chair of Broward Education Foundation. “Last year, we reimagined our annual Back to School campaign into a fully virtual model to follow health protocols and delivered safely sealed individual basic school supply kits to students throughout the county. It worked so well that we’re continuing this model with even more supplies for each student!”

For more information, visit Broward Education Foundation.