Ready for Learning Chicago

Ready for Learning

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Help 80,000 Chicagoland children get what they need to succeed at school this year!

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

This year, the Cradles to Crayons Ready for Learning initiative, presented by Discover, will distribute 80,000 backpacks filled with new, age-appropriate school supplies and other essentials, including clothing, shoes, and more. These items will be distributed through our network of Service Partners, including Chicago Public Schools, to ensure that kids throughout Chicagoland arrive at school on the first day prepared and excited to learn!

**Why sponsor Ready for Learning?**

One in two children in Chicagoland lacks access to the supplies they need for school.

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.

Ways to Support Ready for Learning

Get your company involved in Backpack-A-Thon^®!

Backpack-A-Thon is our signature Ready for Learning event, welcoming companies from across Chicagoland. Join over 700 volunteers for a high-energy, corporate teambuilding event this summer to help fill thousands of backpacks with school supplies alongside other volunteers, so that local kids are ready on the first day of school for a year of learning.

11^th Annual Cradles to Crayons Chicago Backpack-A-Thon
July 29, 2026
10:00am – 12:30pm
Wintrust Arena

View our Partnership Opportunities and Benefits

Providing essential learning supplies to kids requires support. For more information on how your company can join our effort, please contact Allison Barker at abarker@cradlestocrayons.org.

Ready for Learning Chicago