Ready For Learning Massachusetts
Ready for Learning
Help 70,000 Massachusetts Children Get What They Need To Learn This Fall
The Need
Starting school without the tools needed to succeed can put big obstacles in a developing child’s way. Items like backpacks, art supplies, writing tools, and back-to-school clothing and shoes are imperative to help get children mentally, emotionally, and physically prepared for school. With these tools, they are more likely to attend school and complete homework, knowing they have the same chance at school success as their peers. Parents can focus on rent and groceries instead of facing the stress of school-related expenses.
Our Response
Through our Ready for Learning initiative, Cradles to Crayons distributes tens of thousands of backpacks filled with new, age-appropriate school supplies and packages filled with shoes, clothing, and more. These items are distributed through our network of Service Partners to ensure that kids throughout Massachusetts arrive at school on the first day prepared and excited to learn!
Why Support Ready for Learning?
- 1 in 3 children in Massachusetts are at risk of Clothing Insecurity and without access to school-appropriate clothing.
- Families with school-aged children spent an average of $858 on back-to-school items in 2025, including $143 on non-electronic school supplies and $418 on clothing and footwear.
- When children are not prepared with the school supplies and clothing they need, the effects on their academic performance and attendance can be severe.
Backpack-A-Thon® Event Opportunities
Get your company involved in Backpack-A-Thon!
800+ corporate volunteers + 50,000 backpacks packed = local kids in need are Ready for Learning!
One of our most beloved and impactful events, Backpack-A-Thon, is a high-energy, hands-on volunteer experience that helps provide critical school supplies to children living in low-income or homeless situations throughout the state. It’s a great opportunity to garner visibility for your company and its employees, all while supporting Cradles to Crayons’ Ready for Learning initiative.
July 30, 2026
Boston University’s Agganis Arena
Thank You to our Ready for Learning Supporters
Presenting
Platinum
Gold
Silver
A.I.M. Mutual Insurance Companies • Acadian Asset Management • Analog Devices • Needham Bank • PNC Bank
Bronze
Ares Management • BAE Systems • Callahan Construction Managers • Columbia • Commonwealth Cares • Direct Federal Credit Union • Harvard Business School
Income Research + Management • KPMG • ServiceNow