At Mary Riley Seven Mile Elementary on the Fort Apache Reservation, the start of the school year came with excitement, smiles, and the hum of children comparing the colors of their new backpacks. Thanks to the American Indian Education® (AIEF) program of Partnership With Native Americans® (PWNA), 425 students received backpacks filled with essential school supplies, a special occasion that made a real difference for this tight-knit community. 

The distribution day is a highlight for our Program Partner, Susanna, who has been part of the school for eleven years. “We’ve been doing this for eight years,” she said as students lined up. “The parents really appreciate it. The kids are excited, and it helps them start the year prepared.” 

The Fort Apache Reservation is home to a proud and resilient community, but many families face economic challenges that make back-to-school season stressful. Across PWNA’s Southwest service area that includes New Mexico, Nevada and parts of Utah and California, poverty rates can range from 15% to 45%. In households headed by single mothers raising children under 18, the average is 46%. 

For parents, these backpacks mean relief from having to stretch already limited budgets. Susanna sees that gratitude firsthand. “The parents love it,” she said simply, noting how much it helps families with multiple children. 

Inside each backpack there are various tools for learning, folders, notebooks, pencils, crayons, and more. Teachers help students decide which items should stay in their desks and which can be taken home, ensuring they have what they need both in and outside the classroom. 

Even the preparation for distribution builds community spirit. Staff members and students worked together to pack each backpack. “Some of the fifth graders helped me pack them,” Susanna said with a smile. “They did a great job putting them in order.” 

The kids noticed the details, too. “I got an aqua backpack! It’s my favorite color.” Another grinned, “I picked black because it’s cool.” Others were just as excited about what was inside. “The color pencils are the best,” said a first grader.  

On distribution day, the impact was easy to see. Younger students carefully slipped their arms through the straps, while older students compared colors; black remains the most popular, though a few bright blues caught attention this year. The backpacks weren’t just functional; they were a source of pride. 

Susanna reflected, “It’s great to see the kids so happy and ready to go. This helps them feel prepared, and it takes a lot of stress off the families.” 

These backpacks continue to make a difference past the first week of school. Folders help keep assignments organized, notebooks encourage writing, and art supplies allow students to take on creative projects. For many, these are resources they wouldn’t otherwise have at home. 

Thanks to the generosity of donors, 425 students at Mary Riley Seven Mile Elementary begian this school year on equal footing, confident, prepared, and excited to learn. 

Donate to AIEF today to bring more school supplies to Native American students and give them the tools, confidence, and hope they need to thrive.