The average cost of school supplies is out of reach for many Native families with limited incomes, few shopping options, and frequent transportation issues. In 2024, the American Indian Education Fund^® (AIEF) program of Partnership With Native Americans^® (PWNA) provided backpacks full of school supplies to 6,000 students in the Northern Plains.  

We delivered backpacks to Program Partners like Lynn in Kyle, South Dakota. Lynn directs the Family and Child Education (FACE) program at Little Wound School on the Pine Ridge Reservation.  

FACE supports caregivers, increases family literacy, and helps preschoolers prepare for their educational journey while celebrating language and culture. In the classroom, children start the day by brushing their teeth, then gathering to stretch and perform breathing exercises. They practice counting and listening, then review the Lakota language and their ABCs. 

Thanks to AIEF, every student had a new backpack filled with items like pencils, markers, folders, and notebooks. Lynn shared, “The kids are excited every day to wear their new backpacks. It’s pretty awesome because they have their own.” Lynn shared her gratitude for the supplies, noting that all FACE children, whether at school or home-based, received a backpack. She explained that some families travel three hours roundtrip to Rapid City, South Dakota, for school shopping and that others don’t travel at all and go without. Lynn passed along this message to AIEF donors: “They rely on the supplies. I want to tell donors thank you and that we appreciate their donations so all the kids across the board have everything they need to succeed in school.” 

One recipient was 4-year-old Gerard the youngest of six children. His grandmother, Fern participates in adult education offered through the FACE program. Fern has passed on to her family the importance of a good education, as she studies for her GED while her grandson learns in a nearby classroom. Fern shared how excited Gerard was when the school distributed AIEF supplies. “He’s always saying, ‘Grandma, my backpack!’ and showing off,” she smiled. “Thank you for the supplies.” 

4-year-old Tarryn also received a backpack. Her mother, Cammi, shared her daughter’s excitement over new school supplies. Cammi told us, “She loved them. When we got home, she wanted to dig into her bag! She really loves learning; she knows how to count to 30, she likes to spell her name and create stuff, and she loves being a big sister.” Tarryn is a role model to her 2-year-old sister and the community. She earned the title of Tiny Tot Princess at her local powwow. 

Cammi is a teacher for the FACE program and shared her thoughts on the school supply distribution: “It was really beneficial, especially for this classroom. A lot of the local school drives weren’t necessarily for preschool, so it was really nice to give back to these parents. It was something I think needs to keep happening for all our kids on the reservation. It’s really hard to provide that stuff around here as a parent, even with a job. There are kids who aren’t fortunate, and this really helps and shows there are people looking out for them. I’m personally really thankful for the backpack – it helped Tarryn be able to practice more.” 

On the day of our visit, the school closed early due to high temperatures and poor ventilation. Unfortunately, Lynn said, “It happens often because the building is too old to update.” With weather challenges and outdated facilities, families like Cammi’s can at least rely on having the basic necessities to start the school year, thanks to generous AIEF donors.