Back 2 School program seeking sponsors

This article is part of an ongoing Inspiring Generosity series highlighting people, agencies, and programs the Bay Area Community Foundation supports.

The Barbara and Gary Bosco Back 2 School Program is gearing up now to help more than 1,000 kids in Bay County start the 2026-27 academic year on the right foot.

Even before local schools closed for the summer, staff and volunteers at the United Way of Bay County, Bay Area Community Foundation, and the Foundation’s Youth Advisory Committee were prepping for the 2026-27 academic year. 

The Bosco Back 2 School program expects to outfit 1,200 – in pre-school through high school – with everything they need to start the next school year with style and confidence. 

Through the program, volunteers use donated money to shop for kids who meet income requirements. Each student in the program gets a complete outfit, from shoes and socks to pants and shirts. On average, the volunteers spend about $75 per child.

Beyond that, the Bay Area Community Foundation’s Youth Advisory Committee stuffs and distributes 500 backpacks with school supplies.

The program’s mission is simple – ensuring that every child starts the school year with confidence, dignity, and the tools for success. 

The number of applicants shows that the simple mission is key for families.

Nicole Luczak, CEO of the United Way of Bay County, says applications are coming in fast. 

“Applications are far ahead of where we usually are at this point,” Luczak adds.

Shawna Walraven, President and CEO of the Bay Area Community Foundation, also says the program fills a growing need in the community. 

“We’re going to be seeing more need in these times,” Walraven adds.

The Back 2 School program offers several different ways for individuals and companies to help meet that need.

Soon, Dress For Success Giving Trees will sprout up around the county. Tags with QR codes will decorate the trees, allowing individuals to donate to sponsor a child.

The trees will pop up for the month of July at these various locations:

• Bay City City Hall
• Labadie Auto Company
• IBEW Local 692 Hall
• Farm Bureau Insurance – Shannon Childs Agency
• Terminue Muffler
• And MORE!

“We thought this was a good way to reach out to the community,” Luczak says. “You’ll see the trees around town, which I think will be exciting.”

Business sponsors also are needed to keep the program running. The sponsorship levels are detailed on the United Way website.

This is the second year of a three-year commitment from the Boscos, who pledged to match $25,000 annually in funds donated.

The program supports students who fall within the ALICE population – families who are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed. These are households that earn more than the federal poverty level and do not qualify for government assistance, but do not have enough to cover basic expenses like housing, childcare, transportation, and food. 

The application deadline for this year’s program is Fri., July 10, and slots are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as many miss out due to the program’s early enrollment date.

To apply for the Barbara and Gary Bosco Back 2 School Program, become a volunteer, or donate for the coming school year, visit the United Way of Bay County website.