Providing 3,600+ Students the Supplies to Succeed
Thanks to the generosity of donors like you, our Running Start for School drive has hit its 100% goal before the September 5th deadline. With your support, we supplied over 3,600 backpacks to local students.
As we begin a new school year, we can continue to support students beyond backpacks and school supplies. What if school was more than a place to learn? What if it also helped students get what they need to feel safe, healthy, and ready to thrive? That’s what Community Schools are all about.
Learn more about how you can continue to support students below.
More Information
School supplies are distributed by individual schools. Olmsted County students in grades pre-K through 12 who would like school supplies through Running Start for School should connect with the school they attend to find out how to receive supplies.
Participating Schools (Pre-K through Grade 12):
- Beacon Academy
- Byron Public Schools
- Chatfield Public Schools
- Dover-Eyota Public Schools
- Pine Island Public Schools
- Rochester Catholic Schools
- Rochester Math and Science Academy
- Rochester Public Schools
- Rochester Middle School Right Fit
- Rochester MNSync Online School
- Stewartville Public Schools
Each year, our program is successful thanks to the hard work of our volunteers!
Volunteer shifts will open to the public at the end of June and will take place from mid-July to mid-August. You can find them on our Get Connected volunteer portal page.
All registered volunteers must complete our 2025 Running Start for School Volunteer Agreement.
2025 Running Start for School Volunteer Agreement (viewable)
Fillable 2025 Running Start for School PDF Volunteer Agreement (print and return)
Digital 2025 Running Start for School Volunteer Agreement (digital signature)
You can also volunteer virtually by hosting a team drive - see below!
You can also volunteer virtually by hosting a team drive to support Running Start for School!
Use the materials below to spread the word about Running Start for School!
2025 Running Start for School Sponsors
Premier Sponsor ($10,000)
Legacy Sponsor ($7,500)
Champion Sponsor ($5,000)
Park Place Motors
Advocate Sponsor ($2,500)
Altra Federal Credit Union
Moving Sponsor
Television Sponsor
KTTC
Radio Sponsor
Townsquare Media
2024 Running Start for School Drive Results
350+ Community members donated
3,400+ New backpacks full of supplies delivered to students
44 Schools and 4 Community Partners impacted
Contact Information
Sonja Sommerfeldt
Impact Program Coordinator
sonjas@uwsemn.org
507-535-5509